Alternative compressor and/or mount for the Euro w123

engatwork · #1 09-20-2008, 06:22 PM

I had the opportunity to work on a European w123 with the Sanden air conditioning compressor on it today. If anyone is ever interested it is a Sanden model number 9263. This compressor was used versus the r4 compressors that were installed on the American w123's.
It does take a different bracket than the r4 unit too. For what it is worth the s/n was 0501306780.

charmalu · #2 08-19-2009, 02:38 PM

I just pulled a Sanden compressor, mount and all the brackets off a 1980
W123 Euro, with the 617.912 engine.

The Sanden was a 508, but the model# rubbed off when wipping off the grease from the sticker.

The mounting plate has a name of Diavia with a part# 001322 MB.

I Googled the name, and came up with a co in England that install after market air conditioning.

I e-mailed them to see if the parts are still available, and or if they know where I/we can purchase them.

They are no longer available, but have them for the w124.

This Diavia mounting bracket, uses the 2 forward holes the R-4 mount uses on the side of the engine, there is also 2 holes in the engine block under the vacuum pump that the front of the mont bolts to.

I have a spare 617.952 that I used to bolt the mount to. there are no holes drilled in the block under the vac pump, and the lower part of the mount doesn`t clear the edge of the upper oil pan and the lower pan.
Iam thinking the older engine has a longer upper pan. there is definately something different in the casting of these 2 engines.

I went back to the PNP and did some measuring and pic taking with the bracket mounted.
I haven`t yet measured my engine to see where the differences are.

I may have to cut and lower the bottom section so it clears the pan, and add a piece so it can be bolted to the 3 mount holes like the R-4 mount.

Charlie

leathermang · #3 08-19-2009, 02:52 PM

If , once you guys get through modifying stuff to fit.... ( all the hard work ) you could put the pieces on paper and draw around them... measure where the holes are, etc..
it sure would be helpful ....
Also, a comparison of the fittings on the lines of how they differ from those going to the R4 would really help...
thanks,Greg

dalediesel · #4 08-19-2009, 02:59 PM

I too would be interested, since I'm considering a compressor change on my 300D and 300CD.

MBeige · #5 08-19-2009, 03:02 PM

Sanden 508 compressors are pretty common alternative compressors for friends in the Philippines who have older MBs. The only catch is that a bracket has to be made and the pulleys match up (and possibly the correct size belt, if the AC pulley/clutch is different than the original).

#6 08-19-2009, 06:05 PM

I have two Euro 240D's, both having US installed aftermarket a/c's with Sanden compressors. I fully expect that one of the large aftermarket air conditioning vendors like MAC have this bracket readily available.

The Sanden is indeed a good compressor, but I personally would not go to the trouble of changing as long as R4's are readily available. For me, fixing what's there is almost always much more straight forward and efficient than modification.

leathermang · #7 08-19-2009, 06:44 PM

I expect that I will just put a good R4 on it... but I can dream of a drop in Sanden kit... LOL. I do not think I have the patience now to deal with all the hose fittings and routing which might be necessary to do it right....

t walgamuth · #8 08-19-2009, 06:53 PM

If you are stuck with an ancient York unit it may be worth the trouble.

I believe it is Vintage Air that has a bracket for mounting a sanden in a york bracket.

Oracle12345 · #9 08-19-2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

If you are stuck with an ancient York unit it may be worth the trouble.

I believe it is Vintage Air that has a bracket for mounting a sanden in a york bracket.

I have to replace the york on my 77 since the bearing is shot.

leathermang · #10 08-19-2009, 07:51 PM

So there is a drop in York to Sanden bracket ? That would be a major major improvement....

charmalu · #11 08-19-2009, 08:12 PM

Here is the sanden mounted on the engine when I found it.

hope these pictures work

Ok I got one to come up, back to the drawing board.

Oracle12345 · #12 08-19-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

Here is the sanden mounted on the engine when I found it.

hope these pictures work

Ok I got one to come up, back to the drawing board.

that wont work on my 77 block since there are not holes drilled in the casting of the lowerblock. Ive tried putting a GM compressor with the bracket but theres no holes drilled in the casting of the lowerblock.Need something else.

t walgamuth · #13 08-19-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

So there is a drop in York to Sanden bracket ? That would be a major major improvement....

I spotted one a few years back. I don't know if its still available or not. Vintage air I believe.

charmalu · #14 08-19-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oracle12345

that wont work on my 77 block since there are not holes drilled in the casting of the lowerblock. Ive tried putting a GM compressor with the bracket but theres no holes drilled in the casting of the lowerblock.Need something else.

A few cars down from this 80 Euro was a 77, and I noticed it didn`t have the holes to mount a R-4. that year is set up for the York.

there is a guy on e-bay selling the Sanden compressor and a bracket to replace the York. the price is around $350.

well if I can master this picture posting thing, I have a bunch I took of the unit on the car from different angles, and the brackets along with the way the a/c hoses mount.

I removed the a/c hoses to use as a template to make up a new set.
both hoses connect to the top of the compressor, and come up towards the power steering pump. both lines (Pipes) run in front of the valve cover. one goes back towards the firewall, and the other curves forward to the condensor. a real simple set up compared to the R-4 with hoses on top and underneith the eng.

Here is some info from the Co in England that made the bracket.

www.readerair.co.uk/ sales@readerair.co.uk

Charlie