This is on my friend's car. 1997 e320 (W210) with 145,000 miles. He was driving along and heard what he calls "a loud noise" followed by what he thought appeared to be smoke coming from under the hood. He immediately pulled over and turned the car off. He waited a bit, then started the car again. The A/C was now blowing warm air (was cold before the incident). So he turned the A/C off and has been driving without A/C for several days.

He brought it by my house today after work. With the car idling, I turned the A/C on and a second later heard an abnormal grinding noise followed by a belt squeal, and then nothing (noise stops). About a second later, it starts again; grinding noise, belt squeal, stops. And the cycle continues. I only let this go on for about 5 to 10 seconds and shut it off.

He's going out of town in a couple days and leaving the car with me at which point I'll be better able to diagnose the problem. I plan on hooking up the gauges as well as turning the clutch and hub to get a better feel for what's going on. But I'm betting it will need a new compressor and dryer. Should I just go ahead and order one from FastLane?

Also, any inside tips or tricks I should know? For instance, I know some of the earlier compressors tend to leave "black death" spread throughout the system - will I need to remove all the hoses and parts in order to flush? What about metal shavings - will a compressor failure send those circulating through the system? Also, what type of oil and how much should I add to the compressor when replacing?

Finally, in the event that I'm too busy to do this for him (I'm still deciding), how much should a job like this cost him at a dealer or reputable indy?

Thanks in advance to all the helpful people on this board!

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

BUMP. Also, I noticed the A/C compressor is not available on FastLane. I went ahead and did the quote request, but can anyone tell me where I can get a good OEM quality A/C compressor? Dealer or aftermarket?

Thanks everyone!

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

most definitely sounds like a/c compressor. if fastlane can't help you, try 1-888-392-0333. jensen auto. they sell remanufactured compressors. i purchased one and was very happy. i think i dealt with brian lowe.

__________________
"the simplest answer is usually the correct answer"

1991 190e, 2.6 (helga)
91,000 mi

Before replacing the compressor, you must break all a/c connections and THOROUGHLY flush all debris out of the system. When a compressor fails in this way it strews debris all through the system. If left in place, it will destroy the new compressor. Replacing the filter drier will not catch much of this stuff because it is between the condensor and evaporator. There will be plenty of stuff that the filter drier won't catch.

You also can get an aftermarket suction side filter to put in the line just before the compressor to help catch this compressor destroying junk.

Good luck,

Thanks for the feedback. And thanks for the reminder Larry, I must have read a dozen threads where you emphasized the need to flush, flush, and flush again, and then flush some more. I get the point and agree with your reasoning. I was thinking of using brake cleaner along with my compressor to blow it out - do you think that's a good idea?

As for the inline filter, could you recommend somewhere in the Dallas area where I can get one? Is that something they can install in the line in one day? Also, while I am a huge fan of the inline filter concept, how do you change it out when it gets "clogged" with debris? Will you have to open the system necessitating another receiver drier and evac/recharge?

So as it stands, I will have to call around and price a new or reman compressor along with a receiver drier. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I plan on doing it Thursday or Friday evening and then going into this weekend, so I need to be able to get the parts within a day or two.

One last question while we're on this topic - I have a venturi-type vacuum pump that I have used in the past. I know, I know, the vane-type is the best, but venturi is what I have to work with. I recall viewing a chart not too long ago indicating that with the recent ambient temperatures of about 96 to 98 degrees I should be able to boil out any moisture even with the somewhat meager vacuum from the venturi pump, especially if I leave it on there for 1/2 to 1 hours. Any thoughts? Know of any places that will rent a vane pump?

Thanks again to everyone here!!!

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Oh, one other thing for the experts (I'm sure Larry knows the answer):

How do I flush the evaporator when it's buried inside the dash? Do I need to take the dash apart and remove the evap?

Also, where can I find a table like the one I talked about, temperature/pressure for R134A as well as vacuum effect on boiling water from a system?

Thanks.

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280