A/C Compressor Time...Any upgrades? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JackG · #1 09-05-2009, 07:41 AM

Since I have to swap it out anyway, is there any
better compressors that will bolt up and handle the S.FL.
heat a little better?

#2 09-05-2009, 08:26 AM

How did it fail? If it failed internally, you must disconnect ALL components and flush the debris out of the system THOROUGHLLY or your new compressor will be destroyed. Beyond that there are no upgrades necessary. If the system is properly cleaned, a fresh r/d installed, correct amount of oil distrubuted through components, evacuated and then charged with the CORRECT volume of R12, you will be cool, even in South Florida.

Cr from Texas · #3 09-05-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

How did it fail? If it failed internally, you must disconnect ALL components and flush the debris out of the system THOROUGHLLY or your new compressor will be destroyed. Beyond that there are no upgrades necessary. If the system is properly cleaned, a fresh r/d installed, correct amount of oil distrubuted through components, evacuated and then charged with the CORRECT volume of R12, you will be cool, even in South Florida.

I just completed this task but I also replaced the expansion valve. Everything was put back to the way it came from the factory. Works almost as good as when new (I still have a bad pod to fix). 100 outside, less than 36 out the vent. One of the main reasons I've kept this car 26 years is because it's nice and cool in the hot Texas summer - gets colder faster than my newer cars!

JimmyL · #4 09-05-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cr from Texas

I just completed this task but I also replaced the expansion valve. Everything was put back to the way it came from the factory. Works almost as good as when new (I still have a bad pod to fix). 100 outside, less than 36 out the vent. One of the main reasons I've kept this car 26 years is because it's nice and cool in the hot Texas summer - gets colder faster than my newer cars!

That is exceptional performance out of a W123!!! Enjoy that CR-T

Scott98 · #5 09-05-2009, 03:27 PM

My OE compressor blows ice cold in the south Florida heat. Fix yours right and it will too.

Scott

billhard · #6 09-05-2009, 04:00 PM

Diesel Giant has great A/C rebuild tutorial here:
http://www.dieselgiant.com/repairyourac.htm

ImBroke · #7 09-05-2009, 12:34 PM

Don't forget to clean the evaporator, one way or the other.

colincoon · #8 09-05-2009, 11:12 PM

^What size is our condenser anyways? I'm about to do some AC work to Norm, and I might order one.

Matt L · #9 09-06-2009, 01:30 AM

To install a parallel-flow condenser, you will need to make new lines. It's not a bolt-in part.

Scott98 · #10 09-06-2009, 08:10 AM

Don't waste your money on "upgrades." Fix it to stock specs, use R-12 and it will blow ice cold in the hotest and most humid of climates.

Scott

Sev · #11 09-06-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott98

Don't waste your money on "upgrades." Fix it to stock specs, use R-12 and it will blow ice cold in the hotest and most humid of climates.

Scott

agree with this comment. ac compressors, if they were upgraded, are sold at the dealer as the upgraded part. for example mercedes upgraded the original starter on my w201. now that's the only part they sell at the stealer. so if the stealer has an upgraded part/part number, go for that one, otherwise original

Ken300D · #12 09-06-2009, 10:20 AM

You don't have much choice on compressors other than build quality. I would expect all the R-4 units to compress pretty much the same way - which is sufficient with R-12 refrigerant.

The key is to use R-12 instead of R-134a.

The A/C system components just aren't designed with enough "margin" to allow the suitable use of the less efficient R-134a. Yes, it will cool with R-134a in moderate weather, but in really hot weather it will not do a good job.

Having to replace the compressor (where you need to flush the system anyway to clear out debris) is a good time to revert back to R-12 if your car was converted to R-134a.

Ken300D

JackG · #13 09-06-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken300D

You don't have much choice on compressors other than build quality. I would expect all the R-4 units to compress pretty much the same way - which is sufficient with R-12 refrigerant.

The key is to use R-12 instead of R-134a.

The A/C system components just aren't designed with enough "margin" to allow the suitable use of the less efficient R-134a. Yes, it will cool with R-134a in moderate weather, but in really hot weather it will not do a good job.

Having to replace the compressor (where you need to flush the system anyway to clear out debris) is a good time to revert back to R-12 if your car was converted to R-134a.

Ken300D

This is where the road splits. I was hoping for a better compressor to be able
to run r-134a with. It is much less expensive and much easier to find,
not to mention, I can do it myself.

Scott98 · #14 09-06-2009, 07:04 PM

Its a one time fee to buy R-12 and then you are good to go for years. Chances are you won't even have the car by the time you need more R-12 for whatever reason. Just pay a couple hundred bucks to have a shop put in some R-12 and enjoy cold air conditioning for years.

Scott

#15 09-06-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackG

This is where the road splits. I was hoping for a better compressor to be able
to run r-134a with. It is much less expensive and much easier to find,
not to mention, I can do it myself.

A BETTER compressor to run R134a? First of all, if using a better compressor would give you better performance with 134, WHY would you change to 134?

Secondly, the compressor, if adequate, which they all are, has almost NOTHING to do with the performance of the a/c system. The key to added a/c performance is condensor size, efficiency and air flow across it.

If you want to have a good performing a/c, the recipe for this is very simple and very inexpensive. Get your system in good condition and charge it with R12, the refrigerant for which it was designed. Period!