84 Silverado K10 A/C Evaporator Core Replacement

[jpatters13]

I am nearly certain the evaporator core is the originally installed one and is leaking, causing the a/c to not be able to hold a charge. Any special instructions I should know about before trying to replace it?  I believe I can remove half of the housing under the hood and get to it for removal, correct?  Is there anything I should know to save me a few four-letter words and a lot of time?  Please advise...
Thanks!

[jpatters13]

This is the one I plan to purchase today to install: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Everco-A-C-Evaporator-Core/1984-Chevrolet-K10-1-2-ton-P-U-4WD/_/N-ik3mfZ91sgw?itemIdentifier=7758_0_0_

[VileZambonie]

Why do you think it's the evaporator? Sounds like you are not 100% certain. Did you leak test the system? Did you use UV Dye or you can use the poor mans leak detector (soap)

Here's another method
http://automotivetestsolutions.com/bullseye.html

[jpatters13]

We put a bright yellow dye in and never saw anything come out. A few weeks later the system was empty again. Occasionally there would be a small puddle of clear/bright yellowish oily stuff on the ground right behind the front passenger tire after being parked. It was rolling down from on top of the wheel well cover.

[jpatters13]

So I just began to take the system apart and found the system still has a charge.  I guess it might not be the evaporator core after all?  Anyone know how to test a compressor?

[VileZambonie]

Pick up a UV light even a cheap UV pen light is only a few bucks at the parts store. Use a pair of yellow glasses and park it in the garage. Go over the entire system and carefully inspect. Most common leak points: compressor shaft seal, connections, condenser, valve core. You can also use a mechanic's stethoscope to try and listen for leaks but you'll need a very quiet area for this to work well.