I am pretty mechanical and don't shy away from most mechanical problems. Between A/C systems and automatic transmissions, it's vu du magic. I don't have the bandwidth to learn new systems and their intricacies. I might just keep charging it with a can of R12 every year until it gets worse.

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1981 240D auto
1977 240D manual 300 Turbo swap
1983 300SD
1983 300TD Parts car

That's a good strategy if you have a big and cheap supply of R12. If not, try to find and fix the leak. The chance of bad hoses is small from my experience of testing many old W123 hoses. If original, chances are high one or more of the o-rings in the bead lock fittings are not sealing 100%. This is from personal experience taking apart all the fittings in my 85 inspecting/ replacing all the o-rings. One of the o-rings near the turbo/ alternator (where it's the hottest) was flattened/ deformed. Start by looking for signs of oil/ wetness at the fittings and the compressor. They should be totally dry.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 167,870 July 2025
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Thanks I appreciate it.

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1981 240D auto
1977 240D manual 300 Turbo swap
1983 300SD
1983 300TD Parts car