So now that it is summer in Texas and is going to be hot (was 98 today) I will be fixing my AC system. It is currently in the AC shop having it looked over and so far there is no bad news, appears everything is running as it should, except for a leak in the system which they have repaired at the receiver drier.

Now it is time to refill the coolant. It is completely empty as of now and awaiting new coolant. The freon is going to run $250-$300 to fill it up, should I go ahead with this or consider a different coolant?

Also does anyone know any shops in the Austin/San Antonio relm that may be able to get the freon cheaper?

As always you input is greatly appreciated.

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1980 300D European
"The Red Fox"
200,000 miles

2003 Chevrolet Silverado

609 Certification

You should not go with a conversion to R134A I made the mistake of doing this and will be going back to R12 as soon as I have time.

Next you need to find a reputable mechanic or by the tools at a pawn shop and do it your self (people here will be glad to help you)

The quote you were givin was several times more than the actual cost to fill your car with R12.

__________________
1984 300D / The only Benz I have

Completed weekend projects

1. R/R front crankshaft seal
2. R/R nearly the whole vacuum system
3. Converted to WVO www.greasemachine.com
4. Upgraded to electric power locks
5. Upgraded and rewired stereo/amp/speakers
6. Installed 2.88 differential

Brabus is correct.... amazing that they would quote you that high...Run from that shop....
Since you are almost in San Antonio... Call Tray at Carlisle Auto Air and get a recommendation...

I don't know how they ' fixed the leak ' at the Receiver/Dryer... but the R/Dryer will need to be replaced... minutes before you button up the system ready to evacuate the moisture...
Again, Run from that shop...

I would NOT go back to a shop that charges $250 for $40 worth of REFRIGERANT (coolant is what you put in your radiator.)

I just bought 30 pounds of R12 for $425. That is what that shop pays for it now. DON'T patronize such crooks and don't convert. R134 is going up in price drastically this year so it is almost as much as R12.

Good luck,

I got my cetificate to buy and work on auto air cond. on the internet for 20.00 you have to take a 50 question test, but I buy it where I live for 19.00 a can 14oz. and a 30 lb cylinder is 247.00. Stay with R12 I tried R134 last summer and it does not cool very good the condensor does not have enough surface area center vent temp with r134 was about 58 on a 95 degree day.

If you are someone who can fill the system yourself, or have a "friend" that can do it. There is a R12 replacement, it goes by different names,(duracool),(hc12). You cannot get it here, you have to order it from Canada . I have it in my 300d, works GREAT! It is cold TOO!! Oh and it is only $10.00 a can

R12 is about $14-20/lb that I've seen, depending where you shop.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

mbnezgoodyear,

Check out Stan Keutz in La Vernia, Tx. just east of San Antonio. Probably about half an hour from you. Ph. 830-217=4170. He is a German trained MB mechanic that knows as much or more than any BM mechanic I have talked to. He can trouble shoot your A/C system and probably fix it while you wait.