190e A/C problem

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Have searched the threads but cannot find info on this specific problem.

Well my A/C suddenly stopped functioning. Discovered this after returning from vacation. The A/C used to work very well up to this point. I guess the car is exacting revenge for being parked outside for 2 weeks

Observations so far;
1. No cold air from center, side or any other vents with A/C on - used to be ice cold.
2. Compressor engages/disengages when A/C is switched on/off at dashboard. However, the insulated A/C line with the schrader valve - under the hood on drivers side - does not get cold when the compressor is engaged, so I am currently discounting an electrical problem.
3. A few tiny drops of oil escaped under high pressure when I attempted to unscrew the black schrader valve cap - located on the insulated A/C line - (see picture). I quickly re-tightened the cap to prevent further pressure/oil loss. I am sure that in the past I have undone this valve cap without incident.

Any thoughts or suggestions on what could be wrong here?
Car is a 1991 190E 2.6 with 137000 miles.

Thanks in advance.

[mbdoc]

Connecting A/C gauges(both hi & low) will show you the problem, start there..

[NDP 2.6 190E]

I do not possess a set of gauges, and although I like to wrench - do not have the time to tackle this - so the plan is to take it into a shop for assessment.

Can anyone recommend a good A/C shop in the CA 92677 area?

Thanks.

[Schmohey]

I'm having the exact problem, any updates?

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Aug 1st I'm taking it into a local AC shop that was recommended to me.
The owner agrees that the schrader valve is probably leaking. The plan is to hook up gauges and check the pressures. He also plans to check for additional leaks.

I will post an update in due course.

[Schmohey]

What is this schrader valve?

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Look at the picture in my first post. It's the part circled in red. Some bicycles have similar tire valves.

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Good news:
The schrader valve leak was due to a missing spacer in the plastic valve cap. This caused the valve cap to partially depress the schrader valve, and was only noticable when starting to undo the valve cap. The valve doesn't leak when the valve cap is removed.

Bad news:
Adding dye to the system shows the condenser is leaking.
Recommendation is to replace the condenser and receiver/dryer.
One of the hoses is also suspect but cannot be diagnosed due to an accumulation of crud caused by a previous (recently fixed) oil leak from the timing cover - behind the distributor.

The shop owner/tech recommends that I obtain and replace the parts myself - which I plan to do. He will then fit the receiver/dryer, evacuate and re-charge the system with R12.