Hi there, and welcome to the site.
1. Yes it is necessary to remove the AC condenser to replace the heater core. They are in the same box under the dash. Also, the dash must be removed to access it. My heater core failed a few months ago. So I just bypassed the core until I can make time to tackel the job. A new core is only $30 a rockauto.com. I plan to replace my evaporator at the same time.
2. When charged properly, for the low side to be 55psi, the outside temp would have to be 110 - 120F. That should give you a center vent air temp of 68-75F. The proper amount of freon for your system should be 2.44 lbs according to the sticker under the hood.
3. If the ambient temp is not in the range listed above, I would let some of the freon out.
4. The high side line does get very hot during normal operation. Ensure the charge is correct before doing anything else.
5. The condensor is mounted in front of the radiator. A new radiator is not an indicator of an accident. I had to replace mine because it corroded through. I chose to replace with new in stead of repairing.
6. By all fans, I assume you mean the electric fan as well. That is the fan that provides cooling for the AC.
I hope this is at least a little helpful.
1. Yes it is necessary to remove the AC condenser to replace the heater core. They are in the same box under the dash. Also, the dash must be removed to access it. My heater core failed a few months ago. So I just bypassed the core until I can make time to tackel the job. A new core is only $30 a rockauto.com. I plan to replace my evaporator at the same time.
2. When charged properly, for the low side to be 55psi, the outside temp would have to be 110 - 120F. That should give you a center vent air temp of 68-75F. The proper amount of freon for your system should be 2.44 lbs according to the sticker under the hood.
3. If the ambient temp is not in the range listed above, I would let some of the freon out.
4. The high side line does get very hot during normal operation. Ensure the charge is correct before doing anything else.
5. The condensor is mounted in front of the radiator. A new radiator is not an indicator of an accident. I had to replace mine because it corroded through. I chose to replace with new in stead of repairing.
6. By all fans, I assume you mean the electric fan as well. That is the fan that provides cooling for the AC.
I hope this is at least a little helpful.
