Installing a CompressorWorks R4 into a W123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #32 07-04-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Is the Compressorworks brand a remanufactured unit or new? I know I need to replace the compressor, but not sure which is the best one. I know I need to stay away from the Chinese copies, but what about Delphi? Chances are slim that I find a good used one like I did for my coupe. I have tried one from Kragen (now O'reileys), and it was junk right out of the box.

I decided to go with the Compressorworks unit from the 'Zone. $207 out the door. I got ready to install it, and read the instructions about adding oil and turning it 10 times. I assumed it would turn by hand. When I tried to turn it, it would not move at all. I finally got it to turn a little, but it made a scraping sound like a broken ring scoring a cylinder wall. I assumed it was bad, so I returned it, and got my money back. The next day I talked to my buddy at my local A/C shop, and he said "you can't turn a new R4 by hand, you need a special wrench". He said that is normal for the R4, and that there was nothing wrong with the new Compressorworks unit. I wish the instruction sticker on the back of the compressor would have said that the compressor will be very tight, and that that was normal (I would be driving with A/C by now!). I can't bring myself to go back to the Zone and get the R4 again. I decided I am now going to try to make a bracket to install a Sanden. I have had enough with this GM garbage!