Replace Expansion Valve 'on principal' - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TimFreeh · #16 02-17-2006, 05:13 PM

For anybody living near Dallas, TX here is a great deal where you can purchase R12 for $10 a pound.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/National-30-lb-Freon-R12-R-12-NIB-Dallas_W0QQitemZ8039103987QQcategoryZ46094QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I just checked the refrigerantsales.com web-site and a 30lb cylinder of R134a is going for $349.

At least at bulk rates R12 is now CHEAPER than R134a.

Roncallo · #17 02-17-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconsprint

1989 560SEL, 143000 miles

I need to replace the high-pressure hose of my A/C system (it has some cuts). The car has been without refrigerant for over a year now. I did not own the car when it lost the refrigerant. While I'm under the dash should a go ahead and replace the expansion valve anyway? I know that the valve is cheap but it looks like I'll have to buy some crowfoot wrenches for the task.

I'm undecided which way to go. Can anybody give me a convincing reason one way or the other?
~Dave

I wouldent change the expansion valve. But I would replace the reciever drier. At this point you dont even know what else needs to be replaced so get it to hold freon (thats R12) before changing parts.

Based on the argument you presented you should also change the compressor.

John Roncallo

#18 02-17-2006, 08:06 PM

I don't know if you can purchase Freeze 12 where you are, but is only 8 and change here in FL and you don't need a license. Easy do it yourself refill and the leak won't hurt the ozone. Stay away from the 134 retro. As said before, not worth the money involved to do correctly.
Chris
1990 300E

#19 02-17-2006, 09:55 PM

I have keyed in this so many times that I need to just put it in a Word document so that I can cut and paste it in when I see a recommendation for junk refrigerant.

All alternative refrigerants INCLUDING Freeze 12 fall into one or both of the following categories:

A BLEND which means that when you get a leak the components leak at different rates requiring complete evacuation and recharge to get it recharged correctly.

The second category is FLAMMABLE. I don't think that I need to explain the downside to this one.

With R12 prices now going down very fast, it is absolutely RIDICULOUS to use ANY alternate refrigerant.

Other things you should know. To comply with Federal law you must install the appropriate fittings for the alternate refrigerant you use. The cost of the fittings alone will be greater than the refrigerant savings. I saw that refrigerantsales now has R12 for $350 per cannister. That is $10 per pound. This year 134 might cost more than that.

Additionally for a shop to legally work on your car they MUST have a recovery machine specifically outfitted for your particular alternative refrigerant. Since these machines are EXPEN$IVE, very few shops have anything besides an R134a and an R12 machine. Additionally if they accidentally recover junk refrigerant into an R12 or R134a vessel ALL refrigerant in that vessel is contaminated and they must pay to dispose of it.

With the price of R12 falling through the floor it is absolutely CRAZY to use junk refrigerants.

Have a great day,

falconsprint · #20 02-21-2006, 12:48 AM

Final update to this thread:

On Sunday I installed the new high pressure hose. Not too bad of a job. The biggest trouble was getting the grommet at the firewall repositioned correctly. Today I replaced the receiver/dryer and took the car to the A/C shop for a refill of R12. All is well and the system is blowing cold. Can't wait for the first 95F day to really test it out.
~Dave