A/C Help and MBZ Spring Compressor needed in North Texas (Fort Worth) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jab0028 · #1 06-27-2011, 01:54 PM

Hi, I'm looking for a/c assistance on my 1976 240D and 1981 240D. They are both still running R12. I would like someone here locally that can show me the ins and outs of the system and also help me get them up and running again.
Also looking to borrow or rent a plate spring compressor. I realize that there is a rental section but would like to try and find one locally.
Please respond here or PM me. Thanks.

jab0028 · #2 06-29-2011, 03:41 PM

Is there nobody in D/FW that can assist me with this? I am more than willing to compensate you and meet you on your end.

leathermang · #3 06-29-2011, 04:19 PM

Read the AC sticky at the top of the page..
the whole thing..

then post what you know about your system and what you think is wrong and what you want to do with it...

That might help... at present ... its a nebulous request... which makes it hard for someone to decide what they can offer...

jab0028 · #4 06-29-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Read the AC sticky at the top of the page..
the whole thing..

then post what you know about your system and what you think is wrong and what you want to do with it...

That might help... at present ... its a nebulous request... which makes it hard for someone to decide what they can offer...

I have read the sticky post and other posts on the forum. I was looking for someone that would help me to troubleshoot the system hands on. The blower works but it does not get cold. I don't even think that the compressor kicks on. I'm not looking for someone to spoon feed me and do all of the work for me. I want to learn about the system but don't feel confident in pressurizing the system myself. My request was general because I don't know what my issue is at the moment. If I knew more about the problem then I would not have posted and would have just used the sticky.

leathermang · #5 06-29-2011, 06:39 PM

It is good to be careful as there are some dangerous aspects to dealing with the refrigerant .... always use a mask AND goggles when dealing with the actual pressurized cans...
If you have been reading here on the forum then you know where to look to see if your compressor is in fact turning on.... have you done that ?
What AC tools do you have ?
What is the complaint with your system ? Is it cooling or not ? Are they on the car ? Are they in pieces on your work bench ?
Have you read your factory shop manual with regards to your particular car's AC system ?

Have you read on
Aircondition.com
and
Ackits.com
lots of good generic information to get you started in learning the overall theory and standard practices.... Local Community colleges usually have HVAC courses... just go get the textbook from the coop... it will have both the physics involved.....and a section on Automobile AC..

' Automotive Air Conditioning' by Crouse and Anglin is great book..
Gregg Division of McGraw - Hill book company...

Do you know which type of MB AC system you have ?
Have you looked under your hood on the firewall ?
Can you post a picture of your dash panel ?

I am going to honest with you.. " I don't even think my compressor kicks on" without checking that yourself... a 5 minute job.... and post for help.. is going to sound like ' I want to be spoonfed '...
Just because people have MB's with working AC 's does not mean they have the overall knowledge to take on a project like helping you ' learn about ' your car's air conditioners...
Some of us have studied it for years and try to help others on the forum... but I don't know anyone I could ask locally to do what you seem to be asking for....

Diesel911 · #6 06-29-2011, 06:42 PM

If no one steps forward with the correct Spring Compressor and you are willing to try it; the local O'reilly Auto Parts has the below Coil Spring Compressor on their free Rental (you only get to keep it for a day or so; ask them) that looks like it would work.

You would most likely have to let the Wheel hang so that you could spread the lower Spring Coil out enough to squeeze the Hooked end into position.
The forked shaped piece would go on the top under the washers and Hex on the threaded Rod.

A regular Socket on a bunch of long Extensions going through the under the Hood hole in the upper Spring Perch would be used to turn the Tool and collapse the Spring.

jab0028 · #7 06-29-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

If no one steps forward with the correct Spring Compressor and you are willing to try it; the local O'reilly Auto Parts has the below Coil Spring Compressor on their free Rental (you only get to keep it for a day or so; ask them) that looks like it would work.

You would most likely have to let the Wheel hang so that you could spread the lower Spring Coil out enough to squeeze the Hooked end into position.
The forked shaped piece would go on the top under the washers and Hex on the threaded Rod.

A regular Socket on a bunch of long Extensions going through the under the Hood hole in the upper Spring Perch would be used to turn the Tool and collapse the Spring.

Thanks for your reply. I ordered a Lisle spring compressor earlier this afternoon and should be receiving it early next week.

Diesel911 · #8 06-29-2011, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jab0028

Thanks for your reply. I ordered a Lisle spring compressor earlier this afternoon and should be receiving it early next week.

I used a Strut type Spring Compressors and bent them. I replaced the Threaded Rod on the Strut Compressors with thicker 5/8" rod and bent those.
After that I made my own Spring Compressor that pulls the Spring up into the Spring Perch (I was replacing the LCA Bushings).

Later I made the one with the hooks so that it could be used on other Springs (1" threaded rod again) besides Mercedes.

My point is that a compressor that uses thin Threaded Rod might not be safe or survive.