My AC seemed a bit less cold and it seemed to cycle too frequently. My Indy found “dye all over my compressor”, so I guess I am going to have to replace the compressor with a rebuilt unit. In 2003, at the dealer (don’t go there anymore) I had the expansion valve replaced along with a number of other parts because dye was found “at expansion valve and receiver drier”. My receipt shows a number of parts, but nothing that looks like a receiver drier. In addition to a number of inexpensive seal rings, I have an “expansion valve” (140-830-04-84) for $47, a “container” (124-830-02-83) for $136, a “switch liqui” (004-820-68-10) for $42, and a “switch seat” (124-820-83-10) for $39.

When my Indy does the compressor, should I also request a new expansion valve and receiver drier? I read that the compressor may not be covered under warranty unless I also do the receiver drier. I also read that it was good practice to go ahead and also do the expansion valve.

Also, my Indy said he could get an aftermarket rebuilt compressor for about $600 from his supplier or he could get a rebuilt compressor from the dealer for $800. Is there any reason to get the more expensive $800 rebuilt compressor from the dealer?

My Indy also seemed confused about adding oil with the refrigerant. As a stopgap measure I decided to wait for a couple of weeks to do the compressor, in part because there was going to be a 5 day wait to get the compressor from his supplier and part because I wanted a chance to read about all of this on the forums. I asked that he be sure to add oil and he said it was still in the system and would not be removed by just pulling the vacuum and adding new 134a. He said he could add a little oil, but it seemed odd to me after I had read that you always have to add oil. I think the little cans for DIY even come with oil, so I am concerned that my Indy may not be as well informed as I thought. They have been in business since 1972. The business was started by two German mechanics and their sons took over the business. The dads still help a couple of days each week. Should I be concerned?

__________________
I just couldn't give up on my 1995 E320.

I think it might be like always going back to that same bad relationship with an ex girlfriend.
You feel you love them too much, or you are just too stupid to know any better.



Flickr slideshow of my 1995 E320
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24145497@N06/sets/72157616572140057/