I was pleasantly surprised to find that all it took to make the heating and AC fans in my 72 220D work after picking it up was to connect a vacuum line!

I was even more surprised when the AC compressor clicked on and I saw the clutch turning

Since no cold air came through the vents I decided to order some R12 off eBay.

After charging the system with approx 1.5 small cans the AC was blowing ICE cold. I mean, really cold and working well.

Heres what I've noticed after using the system for several days:

It works best on trips under 30 mins. After 30 mins or so, I'll notice the air is either cool but not COLD, or, the compressor will kinda freeze up for like one second causing the belt to omit a chirp. Sometimes the compressor will click on or off depending on how long I've been driving for. The aux fan comes on once the motor is warmed up and works just fine.

I believe the PSI on the gauge when charging said between 30-40psi (motor cool) at idle.

thoughts?

I'm not too nit picky with the AC functioning since I'm surprised it even does. I paid $750 for the car so this isn't going to be a situation where I dump too much into the AC system.

ALSO.. trying to change my hood star. Does anyone have any hints as to how to get the old, broken unit apart. I've got it off the car.......