Here's the situation. I rebuilt most of the A/C system on my 85' about 2 months ago. I had every line rebuilt and used a remaned R4. I now know that was a mistake. The thing was a rattle can from the moment I fired it up. There is a leak somewhere in the system and all my R-12 is gone. Not sure if an o-ring blew or what because I pressurized the system with nitrogen and pulled a vacuum with a micron gauge to check for leaks and it was ok.

Since the system is empty, I have 2 options. European cooler air has brackets to make the sanden 508 fit. Cost w/ compressor $600-$700 depending on if I make my own lines.

Or do I try to buy a new delco R4 or some other reputable brand R4. My main question is whether new R4's will sound like a rattle can after a few months or years? And how long do new ones last?

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85' 300D

This is something I have been wanting to do also.
Last summer I found a Sanden compressor on a 80 300D, I think it was. there are pictures in this thread that I added to.
Alternative compressor and/or mount for the Euro w123

the after market bracket, bolts to the 2 forward holes in the side of the block, and doesn`t use the rear one like the R-4 bracket.
There are drilled and tapped holes under the vacuum pump on the older 617 eng that the 617.952 dorsn`t have.
I guess the bracket will have to be modified some to fit.

since then I found another one, but I don`t think all the parts were there. it is a little different from the one I posted pictures of.

Iam always on the hunt for for another one.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I have two of these brackets that are attached to euro 240D's. That said, if I had an origiinal R4 car I would stay with an R4. Flush the system thoroughly and buy a new, not rebuilt R4. It will serve you well IMHO.

I have two euro's and I hate the way the sanden system's lines are all willy nilly across the engine bay. I would think the sanden compressor would be a superior compressor though.

I know sticking with the R4 would be best for simplicity sake, but I don't want one if a new one is going to be a rattle can. The engine purrs like a kitten with the compressor off

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85' 300D

well, no matter what compressor you use, the load on your motor will cause any shakes and rattles to be amplified. My 82 has an original compressor on it, and it is quite a rattler but my exhaust downpipe is sitting at an odd angle, and the tailpipe hits something in the tunnel. and my engine shocks are worn out, and I'll bet I need to replace the motor mounts, they are not shot, but I think they are too squishey. anyway, my point is the compressors will last plenty of time, with service and cleaning, but the load they place on the motor will cause a shake at idle.

Buy a new R4 rather than a rebuilt, which is a crap shoot as far as quality of the rebuild is concerned. A new Compressor Works R4 is $200. YAK just installed one. Check his thread for progress. I think he is almost ready to get it charged.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked