That's huge?

I don't need 30 lgs., I might need 2 lbs. every few years if I happen to get a leak in my system; if/when I do need some, it costs a couple $100 from my indy, big deal. It is simply much too cheap to worry about, and it will stay cheap enough that I have no interest in "stocking up" on R-12 or finding any "alternatives" (sorta like diesel fuel). It's just not worth worrying about, I'm more worried that the price of my morning starbucks keeps going up.

Just went to my friendly local Harbor freight for some SAE/Metric wrenches, goggles, blow gun tip for my A/C work. Also got the HF Mityvac, which will be useful in trying to find the vacuum leak in my climate control that doesn't have the blower turning on. Got metric ratcheting wrenches too, should have bought them sooner. The rest of my Freon 12 came in the mail today, now I have 2 12oz cans, 1 14 oz.

Now for buying more stuff:

I'll get the reciever/drier and expansion valve from ***************. Best price and free s/h over $50.

From lenz distributing, I'll get a gallon of Castrol A/C flush: $25 http://store.lenzdist.com/product.php?xProd=299

Two quarts of Castrol mineral oil,

A mastercool A/C flusher (could buy on eBay for $30 though) $41
http://store.lenzdist.com/product.php?xProd=409&xSec=23


Should I also get a new valve core and blue cap from Lenz to replace the one with the r-134a tap on it? Any special tool necessary for valve core replacement, or is it just one more thing to break and I should forget it?

Also, is there a better(cheaper) place to buy the flush solvent and gun?

From ackits.com:
1989 and prior European oring kit
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=CP3025&Category_Code=vehiclespecific

Or, should I get the 1989 and prior GM kit, since it's a GM system?
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=CP3011&Category_Code=vehiclespecific

Those o-rings say they are compatible for r12 and r-134a. I think other mercedesshop posters have had success with the Euro pre-1989 kit.


Buy nylog red from ackits.com. It says its usable in CFC and HCFC systems, freon is a CFC system. Or is nylog blue better?
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=RT200R&Category_Code=Nylog

14 x 22.5 PF Condenser:
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=12-0437C&Category_Code=
I should go ahead and get one of these, I might not be happy with the original condenser's performance. If I'm not happy with the original condenser, I would have to get the r12 taken out and put back in... Worth it just to get a new condenser.

A high performance fan: I think I got this link from a dmorrison thread. Will this one fit/work? http://www.commandocaralarms.com/itemdetails.asp?ProductID=119 It's a 16 inch Spal fan. If someone could direct me to a mercedesshop high CFM fan install page that would be useful.

I'll get a r12 top can tap, maybe the McParts still carry them. Otherwise it's on eBay. Any problem with using one of the side piercing can taps, tap from the near top to avoid liquid, correct?

For the vacuum pump and gauges, Autozone rental program should have them. Might have to go far away to a bigger autozone that has more rental stuff though, not many have gauges and vacuum pumps.

I'm buying a used ACC servo from a forum member here. Mine is cracked and toast currently. Hopefully my blower speeds will magically work again with replacement, but I'll most likely have to take out the console and test every valve for leaks.

Also, if you happen to know where I can get my A/C stuff for less money, do tell.
Thanks in advance for your advice...

__________________
1980 240d
1999 SL500

[QUOTE=derburger;1808374] .

Two quarts of Castrol mineral oil,


I'll get a r12 top can tap, maybe the McParts still carry them. Otherwise it's on eBay. Any problem with using one of the side piercing can taps, tap from the near top to avoid liquid, correct? [QUOTE=deburger;1808374].

You can probably get by just fine with one quart.... you will only need about 6-8 oz for the actual system... the rest for ' washing' the compressor...

THIS IS IMPORTANT.....
You can get hurt ... either frostbite or explosion if you are not careful in understanding a couple of these concepts.... Most people now use the side tapper... but where the can is tapped makes no difference concerning whether gas or liquid comes out the hose... what counts is relative to GRAVITY... if the can tap is towards the earth from the rest of the can you get liquid... if ' up' then you get gas.... but you can turn the can to get the proper one...

If you put liquid into your system you will most likely freeze and break the flap valve ( wrong name, senior moment ) .... In about 1975 I did that to TWO compressor in a row in the same day....I also hooked the system up backwards and was only lucky the can did not explode in my face. It was really hot when I felt of it.... the can should be cold as the freon expands and leaves the can.... little mistakes in AC work can cost you the rest of your life... study up on the concepts ...... and really... for the first time you ought to pay someone who has done it before to look over your shoulder...