Charging the AC - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 05-29-2006, 10:43 AM

I must say MB made it somewhat easy to slide the compressor and the steering pump by installing the adjusters. I didnt' know about the adjuster at the steering pump at first. I was trying to pound the unit so it would slide. Good thing I did it lightly. Then I realized there was an adjuster.

It still wasn't easy installing the AC belt but got it in. In fact I might have to go back in to it later as I may have tightened it a bit much.

Now the belt is in, I still don't have AC as I expected. Not sure how far to take this. I was going to have it charged and see what happens. It'll have to be R12 and may be costly. Does anyone know if the R12 cannisters from the stores will work. And if so how and where does it go in?

Not sure why the belt was removed initially other than AC wasn't working anymore. I've read a few posts about going thru the dryer, exp valve, etc but NOT ME. If after charging it still won't work, I'll snip the belt and live without the AC. Summers aren't that long in Michigan.

I'm open to suggestions.

#2 05-29-2006, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

I'm open to suggestions.

My suggestion is to trace the wires to see how far the signal to engage the clutch is going. It is probably stopping at the pressure sensor that prevents you from engaging the compressor without enough refrigerant in the system. I don't know where the pressure sensor is on this car (mybe integrated into the drier)?

EDIT- If you could fork out the $40 for a manifold gauge set, that would tell you how much charge you have.

#3 05-29-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

It'll have to be R12 and may be costly. Does anyone know if the R12 cannisters from the stores will work. And if so how and where does it go in?

What you can buy at the store is R134a, not R12. Your next step is to determine if you have a leak in the system, then find out how much it will cost to fix. Then you can decide what you want to do. Find a AC shop and have it leak tested.

tobybul · #4 05-29-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tabor

My suggestion is to trace the wires to see how far the signal to engage the clutch is going. It is probably stopping at the pressure sensor that prevents you from engaging the compressor without enough refrigerant in the system. I don't know where the pressure sensor is on this car (mybe integrated into the drier)?

EDIT- If you could fork out the $40 for a manifold gauge set, that would tell you how much charge you have.

Is there a good reference to consult on how to do this? Taking the measurement? Where to hook it up? etc.