Evap. core Removal

[MikeMaza]

I want to remove the core in my '99 F150 to clean it out due to low air flow. I already tried replacing the fan which did not help and removed the dash to check dampners. My question - Is it ok to release the freon and have someone else pull vacuum and replace ( I don't have pump or guages and have never done that myself ) or is there a special method for removing the freon?? Also, do I have to replace the drier if I open the system to clean off the core?? I want to remove the core to clean because while the fan was off I looked at the core with mirror and flashlight and it was covered with lint and filth. Any help is appreciated. Thanx. Mike.

[Quintin]

Venting refrigerant to the atmosphere is an environmental no-no. There are special machines for safely recovering the refrigerant, but they're big bucks and generally owned by people who do A/C work professionally. Worst case scenario, you go removing schrader valves and end up getting a severe case of frostbite from the escaping refrigerant. A guy I work with popped the manifold line off a compressor before without evacuating the system, sounded like someone got shot. I'd tote your truck to an A/C shop and have them evacuate the system. Then, someone with a vacuum pump, manifold gauges and some know how can recharge it for you, or you can tote it back to said shop and have them recharge it. Refrigerant isn't something to be handled if you aren't 100% sure what you're doing.