*!##*! Expansion Valve
 

I am resurrecting my 1981 300D's AC and casually decided it was a good time to replace the expansion valve. It was quite snug when coming out, but now I've coming up against a wall in installing the new one: all four fittings just won't line up to thread them on. I can get three to agree (to/from evaporator and from receiver-drier), but the large connection leading to the compressor just doesn't want to play with its friends.

If anyone has been through this before, I'd welcome some advice. Save for the receiver-drier connection, these guys are quite rigid and the tolerances are incredibly close.

Thanks. Encouragement alone is welcome! But I'm really looking for the secret sequence of attaching these darn things.

The r/d and compressor connections are attached to hoses; there should be some flexibility in both.

There is a tool made for holding it when dealing with that kind of stuff...
It may be spec'd in the AC FSM....

What type of wrench do you use to get those expansion valve lines loose, a crow's foot or a regular one? I bought a new TXvalve for my A/C project I'll do in a few weeks (r134a-->r12) It looks like a PITA seeing it from under the pass. kick panel.

If a W123 is giving you troubles installing the expansion valve then you better never buy a W126! ;)
:eek:

Many lines in that category would use what is called a ' line wrench'...

Make sure the top two lines are very loose. Then try to thread the bottom two. You'll have more wiggle room that way. Get them all just barely started before tightening any of them down.

Scott

Remove your battery and battery tray. Under the tray you will see a clamp holding the 2 ac lines going into the firewall. Loosen the clamp so you can move the lines.

Dave

just keep at it. Or enlist help from someone with longer, stronger fingers. Not cutting on you, I had to get a buddy to help me, he got all four started with his fingers, its just the awkward angle and not really being able to see your hands while you're tightening the last two fittings. resist the urge to start bending the metal lines because they appear to be out of alignment, guess how I figured that one out.:rolleyes: