Using an automotive evaporator core?

AirConditioner · 06-16-17, 01:22 AM

I'm trying to build a combination water heater/air conditioner on the cheap. I already have a 5,000 BTU compressor, expansion valve, filter, etc. The condenser will be a coil of copper tubing in a container of water.

What I don't have is an evaporator. I'd like to try and use a cheap automotive evaporator core, but, they all have odd non standard connections on them.

I'm wondering if I bought a cheap core like this:
NEW Ford Escort 1987-1990 GL GT LX Base A/C Evaporator Core 54439 OE | eBay
Can I just cut the ends off the aluminum tubes, flare them, and then use standard flare fittings to attach it to the rest of my system?

I suppose it's possible to just braze it to some copper tubing, but, I don't really want to try and braze aluminum.

06-16-17, 01:22 AM	#1
AirConditioner Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: US Posts: 42 Thanks: 5 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Using an automotive evaporator core? I'm trying to build a combination water heater/air conditioner on the cheap. I already have a 5,000 BTU compressor, expansion valve, filter, etc. The condenser will be a coil of copper tubing in a container of water. What I don't have is an evaporator. I'd like to try and use a cheap automotive evaporator core, but, they all have odd non standard connections on them. I'm wondering if I bought a cheap core like this: NEW Ford Escort 1987-1990 GL GT LX Base A/C Evaporator Core 54439 OE \| eBay Can I just cut the ends off the aluminum tubes, flare them, and then use standard flare fittings to attach it to the rest of my system? I suppose it's possible to just braze it to some copper tubing, but, I don't really want to try and braze aluminum.