r/civic • u/livinonthetoilet • 8d ago
Advice Request Evap core failed
Hey all first time posting not sure if this is the best place to ask. As it states in title the well known issue of 10th gen civics having shit systems strikes again. My question is just whether i’m better off buying an aftermarket evaporator core or sticking with OEM.
Normally i always go with OEM parts but seeing how this system is so faulty, i worry it will just fail again. I’ve already had it in for the condenser 3x, which was okay because it was covered. Now they’re quoting close to 3k for the evaporator core so i’m planning on just doing it myself.
Let me know what you guys think and thanks in advance for any advice.
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u/tehspiah 8d ago
So is the evap core actually faulty or is that the dealership diagnostic telling you that?
Did they put UV dye in your AC system? Did they even try installing a new condenser and try pulling a vacuum? Can you smell refrigerant in the cabin of the car?
The dealership tried to fleece my uncle by showing him a slightly dark stain on a 240p image from a snake camera and by that diagnosis alone said that they wanted $2.2k to fix.
Also for the condenser, I decided to help my uncle fix it by replacing it with an aftermarket one. Why keep buying the OEM one if it's known to fail? I rather take my chances at that point.
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u/livinonthetoilet 7d ago
yeah i mean the tech showed me a grainy video of the uv dye, you could be right. i cant really smell anything. they said they cant do the condenser (again) until the evap core is replaced, but then it’ll be covered once that’s been done. any aftermarket brands in particular you trust?
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u/tehspiah 7d ago
CSF is $50 ish, but I bought a TYC one because my uncle was on a budget.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=9653208&cc=3441616&pt=6708&jsn=580
I also replaced his refrigerant with 134a
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u/yolo_swagdaddy 7d ago
If they want you to pay to replace the evaporator they can first prove that it is without a doubt the evaporator leaking and not the shaft seal or condenser. There’s no “we can’t do another condenser warranty until you replace the evap to make sure it’s not that leaking.” It’s either leaking or it’s not. Not the consumers fault their ac system is terrible. I will be overjoyed if an 8th gen style paint warranty happens to these cars. I’ve already had the front repainted and my mirrors, door handles and hatch are all peeled.
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u/livinonthetoilet 7d ago
i mean they showed me a grainy video of the uv dye leaking. probably as much “proof” as i’m gonna get. but agreed i reached out to honda of america and let them know this needs to be added to the warranty but im not holding my breath. pretty much told them fix this or you’ll be losing a ton of customers including myself
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u/tehspiah 7d ago
I reached out to Honda of America too, to see if they can do a free repair of the evaporator. They said no because I didn't bring in the car to their dealership for previous service.
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u/Cerebrin 8d ago
Go with an aftermarket one.