Poll: Does your A/C work or not? - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#46 03-27-2008, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knightrider966

...I'll use R12 when I get my Certification.

Good.

probear · #47 03-27-2008, 11:37 PM

Only after lots of work and exploration. Seems the last mechanic decided that the solution to a blown fuse was to install a 30 amp, thus blowing the AC relay. Not realizing the massive power draw from a bad compressor clutch, the result was another blown AC relay... Once traced, replaced the AC unit (whole thing including the clutch as it appeared to be leaking), replaced the AC relay and installed the proper fuse, good to go......Unless you consider having to replace the head unit for air control.

Now, it works great, and has for the last 18 months....

Knightrider966 · #48 03-27-2008, 11:41 PM

I hope R12 will still be available when I get my certification. In the meantime, there is another drop in replacement for R12 called Autofrost. All the benefits of HC's but none of the drawbacks. R12 from Mexico is crap!

Uncle Possum · #49 03-27-2008, 11:42 PM

Mine was dead when I bought the car last summer. Local Benz shop replaced the AC compressor, and drier for about $900. About two weeks ago, I was running the AC and the compressor locked up

. Took to a new Benz shop, got quote for $1498 to replace compressor, drier, expansion valve, hose, and flush system. I suspect the previous shop did not flush the system.

My question to the forum is,

if I am going to spend this kind of money should I spend a couple hundred dollars more and replace the condenser, especially since it has gone through at least two compressors, and
What are my options regarding freon? I read folks comments about Freeze 12, R12, R134a, Envirofreeze etc. Which gets me the coldest?

Thanks for the advice

#50 03-27-2008, 11:45 PM

R12 will still be available when we are both long gone, don't worry about it. The population of cars that uses R-12 (and the population of owners that aren't too cheap to use it) will decrease faster than the supply. How many R-12 cars do you think will be on the road in 20 years (with unmolested AC systems)?

Knightrider966 · #51 03-27-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Possum

Mine was dead when I bought the car last summer. Local Benz shop replaced the AC compressor, and drier for about $900. About two weeks ago, I was running the AC and the compressor locked up

. Took to a new Benz shop, got quote for $1498 to replace compressor, drier, expansion valve, hose, and flush system. I suspect the previous shop did not flush the system.

My question to the forum is,

if I am going to spend this kind of money should I spend a couple hundred dollars more and replace the condenser, especially since it has gone through at least two compressors, and
What are my options regarding freon? I read folks comments about Freeze 12, R12, R134a, Envirofreeze etc. Which gets me the coldest?

Thanks for the advice

Envirofreeze is illegal inseveral states and there are members on this board who will turn you in for it. R134A is crap. R12 is expensive and getting harder to find, but has been the best so far! Freeze 12 gives good results for some, but you MUST change your receiver drier first to get the real benefits out of it.

Knightrider966 · #52 03-27-2008, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

R12 will still be available when we are both long gone, don't worry about it. The population of cars that uses R-12 (and the population of owners that aren't too cheap to use it) will decrease faster than the supply. How many R-12 cars do you think will be on the road in 20 years (with unmolested AC systems)?

Since cars using R12 are the least amount of users that will I think the point is moot. Household AC systems, especially here in Arizona use R12 and these servicemen are given the priority.

NDP 2.6 190E · #53 03-28-2008, 12:34 AM

A/C works great. Even though the PO had it converted to R-134A

KarTek · #54 03-28-2008, 06:18 AM

Your question is probably aimed at older cars but the newer ones aren't immuned to problems. Mine works but leaks down to minimum pressures about every 3 months. This despite the previous owner replacing the dryer and compressor. I guess there's a bad connection somewhere...

Your poll needs a choice for "Works great when charged but has a leak."

I noticed several posters here with the same problem.

JimFreeh · #55 03-28-2008, 06:48 AM

After doing two evaporectomys, both the 95 E320T and the 90 560SEL are blowing cold air again.

The 71 250C is still untouched since I bought it 9 years ago, and aside from adding a few onces of R-12 twice, it's continuing on it's routine of blowing ice cubes out the vents.

Prior owner rebuilt the entire A/C system on my 83 300D, and it's been no trouble for the last 6 years.

The 280SL came with the belt off the compressor, and it's still that way....

Newest arrival is the 280TE wagon, and it also has the belt off, so I'm assuming it's DOA.

Jim

LUVMBDiesels · #56 03-28-2008, 07:13 AM

On the 300SD it works great even with R134a in it. I had to resolder the CCU to get the compressor to engage.

On the SDL the comressor does not engage. I have not had the carlong enough to even check the connector on the compressor for power, much less dive into the CCU or check the gas levels.

#57 03-28-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knightrider966

Since cars using R12 are the least amount of users that will I think the point is moot. Household AC systems, especially here in Arizona use R12 and these servicemen are given the priority.

...and what is the life expectancy of those old r-12 stationary systems, it's been a long time since R-12 was used in new household systems?

It's my experience that whomever has the cash is given priority (for just about everything).

It's really not a problem, but if the supply starts looking thin in 10 or 20 years, I'll just buy a couple of 100 pounds. The worst thing that will happen is the price will increase. Not worth worrying about, really.

spugeddy · #58 03-28-2008, 08:59 AM

Can everyone put the dollars they have put into their A/C systems while you are replying...

My compressor seized, and I cut the belt off... It looks like if I pay someone I would be looking at $1500-1800? Does that sound right?

leathermang · #59 03-28-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spugeddy

Can everyone put the dollars they have put into their A/C systems while you are replying...
My compressor seized, and I cut the belt off... It looks like if I pay someone I would be looking at $1500-1800? Does that sound right?

The problem is the cost of the labor... which is variable for both quality and price.

You could put new compressor, new Txvalve, new condensor, new hoses for and R12 in for way less than that.... including cost of flush fluid...

If you research it and take your time...and do it yourself you can really have an updated AC for reasonable price.... particularly if you compare it to having to buy a newer car to get good AC....

There really are not many parts to the AC system.... if you had someone you trust find the problem/s and then you do the work that might be a good compromise.

bobodaclown · #60 03-28-2008, 09:38 AM

System didn't work when purchased vehicle.
System converted to 134A before I owned vehicle. System was empty, filled system with 134a worked for 2 days. compressor pressure was low, at time was told compressor was questionable. Then got warm again.
In process of replacing Compressor, Expansion valve, Drier. Hopefully the evaporator doesn't need replacement. If it does well... I guess I'll be pulling the dash....

So far parts $300....

View Poll Results: About your A/C?
My A/C works great and always has.	19	13.87%
My A/C works great but I had to repair it to get it that way	44	32.12%
My A/C is a R134a conversion and only sort-of works	12	8.76%
My A/C is dead and has never worked (don't plan on repairing)	12	8.76%
My A/C died (locked up) during my ownership of the car	4	2.92%
My A/C is dead but I want to repair it	46	33.58%
Voters: 137. You may not vote on this poll