Quick question 1994 camry 2.2 with 229865 miles cording to a shop that did the a.c. compressor says that I need to replace the a.c. evap core because it had metal in it. They did replace the expansion valve and wanted over $1000 to do the core I got the part but do I need to empty the system? I got some really cold air coming out but I do hear a growling noise once in a while when I use the ac also. I know is long but I thought I would give some details about whats up
Of course the system needs to be emptied when the evaporator is replaced. Otherwise the refrigerant will just spray out when the old one is disconnected. On most cars the dashboard has to be either partly dismantled or taken completely out of the vehicle which is why the labor cost is so high. If you operate the AC with metal debris in the evaporator eventually that debris will be dislodged and destroy the new compressor. (The growling noise could be an indication that it's already too late, but it could also be your fan belt or a pulley.) Condenser should have been replaced as well and of course the receiver/dryer.
the car is almost 30 years old. When the AC gives up just bypass it.
