folks,

i'm new to owning a M-B diesel AND to this forum, having just bought a rust-free, good-looking,good-running, 300sd THIS afternoon for the princely sum of $ 1900.oo. (i've wanted one for YEARS, since i first rode in one on the "K-town/Saarbrucken" autobahn in 1970!) it runs down the road GREAT/sounds FINE, but as is usual with a 22 year old car, it has certain "issues".

my BIGGEST "issue" (right now) is that the AC system doesn't blow cold air. the former owner said , "i just have my mechanic add some freon every year to the system & everything is fine for the year".

is this NORMAL for these cars, or does this particuliar AC system (likely) have a repairable leak???
if it's just MY "new to me" 300SD & not a "it's the nature of the beast. learn to live with it problem" (as a former/longtime Alfa Romeo owner, i KNOW all too well about THAT sort of "problem"! = NEW Alfas have "issues"!), can anyone here recommend a QUALITY AC repair shop in northern VA that understands the 300SD AC/heater system, as i'm from TX (though i've worked in this area for a good while).

also, can anyone tell me someone who is COMPETENT to rebuild my driver's bucket seat??? (the upholstery is fine, the seat cushion/springs seem to be "shot".)

thanks for reading this, tex1946

If you keep adding refrigerant without adding oil you will soon have a failed compressor for lack of oil.

When you car is on with the A/C switched on, check to see if the compressor clutch is engaged. If not you are likely low on refrigerant. If the compressor is not engaging then you try jumping the low pressure sensor leads found on top of the filter/dryer. If the compressor engages then you are definately low on refrigerant. Immediately disconnect the jump or you will ruin the compressor.

If you have no refrigerant in the system then you will likely have no oil in it as well because the refrigerant takes the oil with it.

If you have not refrigerant it would be a good time to replace the filter / dryer, the expansion valve, and all o'rings. Then do a leak check with pressure - not just vacuum. Fix as necessary and pray it is not the evaporator.

I just redid my system and it is now blowing ice-cubes. Stick with R-12.

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92 300D 2.5 Turbo
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I hope it's not your evaporator, Tex. Did you put dye in the system to see if there's an obvious leak somewhere cheaper and easier to fix?

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1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
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