I dodged a bullet yesterday on my A/C system...

I figured it was time to see what was wrong and took my 1980 300D down to my local shop to have the AC system checked out. Expecting the worse I was ready to bite the bullet and look at compressor, hoses, dryer, etc but to my surprise they returned the car after "topping" it up with R-12 and replacing a leaking schrader valve. Total cost was $180.00.
Man R-12 is expensive...$3.00/oz.

But what a relief to walk away with a reaonsable bill for what could have been a nightmare.

A word to the wise, have your system checked before making the plunge into the abyss of replacing the whole system to convert to R-134.
You may just get lucky like I did.

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

I'm glad it worked out for you. This is not an uncommon situation. With any problem you should analyze before you decide.

Many leaks are simple to fix once found.

R12 is expensive, but still the best way to go on your 123 Benz.

Good luck,

"Man R-12 is expensive...$3.00/oz."

Four years ago when I took my wagon in to check on getting the ac working... the price was $50+ a pound.... but that is the price they are charging you as compared to their cost... and you could be getting it for half that price if you went to the hassle of getting your 609 certification, etc...

And I am not saying you should ... but I am only saying that for people thinking about doing it themselves.... that the price is not expensive if you factor in the other variables....

Rebootit just posted a deal about a place selling it for $20 for 12 oz can....most cars take three cans or less.....so about $60 to have the best stuff for cooling and what your system was designed to use....

I did not get my AC fixed because the price of the long hose which goes over the engine was something like $180.. and the sensor suggested that my Evaporator was leaking also.... and since the car needed a total front end job... and I only gave $2000 for it and drove it four years.... I just could not see tackling the dash myself...


But I still say that it is cheap compared to having a system that does not work. Or that does not work long without blowing the compressor...

Well Greg,
I gotta tell ya that this repair is now almost 25% of the total cost of this car at this point. Not counting my labor...

Mommy said she was fine wihtout AC but you know what? I hate it when something doesn't work right and that was just one more thing that has been gnawing at me for some time...

Anyway, I thank my lucky stars and my honest mechanic.

__________________
'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

What percentage of a flimsy new $18,000 car would it be ?

Sounds like you got a real bargain on your car in the first place....

Oh geeze, guys. If you start analyzing things that way I may never be allowed to fix another thing on the 240D.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

A/C specialists that I have talked to recommend using the A/C often to keep it sealed up. Use it in the winter in conjunction with the heater to de humidify the car during the rainy season.

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

Rick, yeah... that really puts us bargain finders at a disadvantage....

Framing the old cost of repairs in this way makes it a gut wrenching mess to stand at the parts counter and buy ANYTHING for these old beasts. I think it is much better to consider the true cost of the alternatives, ie buying a replacement car, new used, bicycle, walk, stay home, keep the wreck as is and complain...
The real question should be what can I do with the problem to solve it today. What is possible and will it make any sense.

whoa guys...
I wouldn't think of trading it in for something else. It does make me wonder though whenever I have to buy parts. My theory is to buy cheap, fix only what needs fixing and driver the heck out of it...
If it dies I could double my money on the salvage rights...

__________________
'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique