Good job on the write up and it makes me think that even I could do it! I'm hesitant though as to how I could flush the evaporator on a 124. Did you get much dirt/old oil out with the flush through the evap?

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Nice page. I have a couple of questions. Is replacing the expansion valve really necessary or can it be cleaned? Is there a difference between remanufactured and rebuilt? I am going to do this in the next couple of weeks.

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My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory

Yes the expansion valve should be replaced. It was original and it only cost a few bucks to replace.

Almost no debris came out anywhere except some old oil . I was really glad for that.

Now about using Freeze 12. I was going to use R-12, but when I pickup up the tank, oh my It was empty. So I elected to use Freeze 12. It works fine, I have 38 degrees at the vent and the proper low and high side pressure. Given the choice I would have used my free R-12, but I really did not have the choice. I dont mind using the rebuilt compressor, and I think the synthetic oil will make it last an acceptable time. I will say this. Running this compressor with the synthetic oil makes it run totatly silent. I can tell a huge difference with the oil being the biggest factor. When the clutch engages you cannot hear the compressor. Its really weird.

My friend is a BG dealer and he told me about the oil. I told him I did not believe it would make any difference, but now after using it I am sold. I used some BG oil/freon called Fregi Fresh in an Astro van I just sold. I was also flabergasted at how it lowered the whirling noise when the compressor kicked on.

NO I DONT SELL BG STUFF! I just like making my machines last longer. So I guess I found a winner.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

DieselGiant,

Very good write up and very good pictures too. I read throught the entire write up and noticed you didn't replace OR indicate that the hoses ought to be tested for leaks. With a 20yo car, at least 1 hose, maybe more, will have a leak close to the fittings. Sometimes there are wear areas due to chaffing. Just went through my 84 300D last year and had to have two hoses rebuilt (in addition to the usual suspects).

I also follow Larry's opinion that for $200 you could have purchased a new compressor. The R4 is not a good candidate for a rebuild. You may get lucky. But almost ALL the on-line A/C forums (and local "experts") all agree that the R4 kind of sucks for a rebuild (pun intended).

Last but not least, there is an assembly lube for the o-rings and your post didn't mention that. Did you lube the rings prior to installation?

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

I think he mentioned Nylog...which is the cold flow lubricant....

Where does one purchase this? Will this work with R12 also?



I've yet to look into rebuilding a few hoses, can you let me in on what that ran you?

I need to do the lil one from the Dryer/Accum to the Condensor (or just buy it new if I could find it!) and the one from the Dryer/Accum to the Expansion Valve (it's about $80).

That's all I still need to do aside from order some R12 now from ebay.

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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]

On my write up I indicated that I tested the system to be sure it had no leaks before I took anything apart. So yes I tested for leaks.

On every joint I opened I also indicated that the o ring was replaced. Yes I used some oil on the o ring when I put it back together.

The purpose of the pictorial was to show the major portions of doing the job. It was never intended to be a "step by step" instruction manual for the non mechanical. I am assuming when I do the various pictorials, the reader is at least a DIY and can tell the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver.

I can write up a very detailed manual, but feared it would bore the readers on this forum.

Bottom line is to encourage YOU to do the job yourself and quit paying the mechanics house payment.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

Very good write up - thanks a bunch!

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1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer

I guess Larry Bible didn't notice that you used Freeze12 in the repair.

Nice write-up. Thanks for taking the time and effort to produce that piece. I would like to point out that I didn't notice anything about changing the fittings or installing a sticker to alert later servicers that the refrigerant in the system has been changed from R-12 (required by law). If neither of these things have been done, subsequent owners stand a high likelyhood of unintentionally mixing refrigerants. Not a good thing.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I think the general opinion of freeze-12 is that it is not quite as good as r-12 but it is ok if you are completely changing out the system and not using it as a recharge. I'll be interested to see if the a/c lasts as long as the car or for how long.

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My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory

Contrary to popular "bench racing" on this whole freeze 12 thing. I have used it in several cars with great results. I wonder how many that dont like freeze 12 have actually used it. My guess is most havent. They are "throwing-up" stuff they have read on the internet etc., etc,. so let the nay sayers say all they wish.

I used it before with great results and I would use it again.

I usually dont give an opinion on A/C stuff unless I actually "experienced" it myself.

But to each his own and I am enjoying A/C cold enough to turn it down to low fan speed. Anyone care to do the same??

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

"Contrary to popular "bench racing" on this whole freeze 12 thing. I have used it in several cars with great results. I wonder how many that dont like freeze 12 have actually used it. My guess is most havent. They are "throwing-up" stuff they have read on the internet etc., etc,. so let the nay sayers say all they wish.
I used it before with great results and I would use it again.
I usually dont give an opinion on A/C stuff unless I actually "experienced" it myself.
But to each his own and I am enjoying A/C cold enough to turn it down to low fan speed. Anyone care to do the same?? "--- Diesel Giant
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I have not owned Rattlesnakes either.....but I can surmise from accepted physics... poison, long fangs, mean spirit....and reports from others who have been harmed by them.... That I don't like them.

It should be obvious to anyone who does any checking that I quote standard philosophy as expressed by the Mercedes Factory Shop manual on Air Conditioning... along with backups from my Auto Air Manual and a Generic HVAC manual used by community colleges....
and if I can't find it there I call Tray at Carlisle Auto Air in San Antonio.... who has been in the business for 20 years... and his last name IS Carlisle.... LOL
I stand by everything I have said about Air conditioning .... which includes the fact that you can do whatever you want to YOUR car... I am just making sure the other side of the equation is posted for our ' audience'....

How did snakes get into this whole discussion??

Like I said before, everybody has an A/C opinion. Ask 10 experts and engineers and get 10 different answers. I can always find an opinion from an engineer that is an expert in their field, ask another expert and get a different answer. Why do you think auto engineers do one thing one way and change it in the future?



Bottom line is get it fixed and blowing cold

All else is just HOT air.

Oh and for the record I was not and did not direct my comments at you Leathermang, but somehow you took it personal.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

I think the concept is " analogy"... I don't have to deal personally with Freeze12 or Rattlesnakes to be able to judge the physics of the situation...

The rest of your statement ignores what sets us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom... lacking instinct compared to other animals.... we have an extended period of learning before becoming adults... called neotony I think..
an ability to learn and deduce from known and proven physics to other situations with which we have not had to have direct ' ownership' experience.
That way each of us does not have to reinvent the wheel....

Someone needed to answer.. and since answers have screen names on them.. here I am...
Don't take my answers as directed to you either....they are directed at the people still making up their minds about the physics of the situation... which obviously does not include you... even though you admitted R12 is the best and you would have used it... I think you simply let a small impediment... the tank being empty .... throw you for a loop... and you lost site of the fact that R12 was invented by scientists to fill the parameters of the equipment which they made your air conditioner out of...

Ahhh...you really need to chill out, quit taking it so personally.

__________________
1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair