Klima > Ice Cube - Not Working - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jcyuhn · #1 08-27-2004, 08:24 PM

Steve -

Didn't you post the air gap question in a separate thread? I think I answered there. Either that or I'm hallucinating again. Wouldn't be the first time.

Anywho, long and short is no, jumping the Klima and having the compressor engage is no guarantee it'll work with a good Klima in place. Mine worked fine with an ice cube relay, but would cutout with a Klima. Check the air gap and I bet you'll find it to be 0.8-0.9mm. That's flaky territory - the compressor is capable of working OK, but there's enough clutch slip to trigger the Klima speed comparator circuit.

Setting the air gap is pretty easy. Remove the 10mm nut which retains the front plate of the compressor. You need a special puller to remove the plate. It's nothing fancy, most McParts stores will rent/lend you one - I bought mine for ~$20. Space may be tight between the clutch plate and the radiator. With the clutch plate removed, you'll find one, or two, or maybe three small washers on the compressor shaft. These are spacers. Try removing one or two of them to see which result gets you closest to 0.50mm. Don't go below 0.35mm - that's minimum spec. If you wan to be really obsessive about it, your local auto a/c place will sell a kit with a variety a spacer rings so you can set it just right.

Assuming you can get the clutch plate off the front of the compressor without pulling the radiator

it's a 15 minute job.

Good luck,

- JimY

BrierS · #2 08-27-2004, 09:01 PM

Jim,
You are probably not hallucinating . . . its just I was lost from before starting since I did not know where & how to set the air gap. That being said, thank you for the instructions because I will have NO problem following them. Though I own a number of pullers, I will check to see if they have one at the local parts shops for AC pulleys. I noticed the lack of room when I changed to the newer type vacuum pump w/o having to remove the fan & front portion of the shroud. Being the careful type and having reasonably good right/left dexterity, I should be able to accomplish it w/o damaging the radiator.

I'll keep you two posted and also be anxious to try my new temperature probe on the cold air that will be coming through the vents.

P.S. Tried my new digital multi meter on the Klima socket tonight with terminals 5 & 10. It worked like a charm giving me < 1 volt in digital. Should have updated my equipment long ago. The audible feature was a help since I didn't have to take my eyes from the probe placement as I went all over the place checking resistance (olde boys with new play toys).

My two sons (24 & 25) and their friends have really started to take an interest in my '87 300TD. They wanted to borrow it for their Friday night trip to Epping, NH drag raceway. They all drive the new vehicles yet wanted to take my diesel wagon . . .