W210 A/C Complete Loss of Refrigerant!
 

OK, I admit it, I knew this day would come.

Car: 1998 E300 DT

My A/C has needed an occaisional can of R134a to keep it cool, but now I know the small leak has turned catastrophic. Today I had zero PSI of refrigerant in it after recharging it last week, and it was literally fine yesterday so in one day it went from fine to zero.

I've heard something about a bad hose...is it the one from the condensor to the receiver drier I should look at first? I figured tomorrow I would take a look and see if there's an obvious trail of oil anywhere but thought I would ask what's the most common area these W210s develop leaks? Condensor? Compressor? Evaporator (I Hope Not!)?

Marty - have heard that the hose from the receiver/drier to the condenser is a weak spot. Usually shows oil residue near the R/D when it leaks. Hope that's all it is.

Len

I just replaced the R/D to condenser hose on a coworker's W210 a couple weeks ago. Charge with dye first and get a blacklight going in pitch black - you will see exactly where it's leaking from. The hose is right in the line of fire of road debris, so it's easy to see why/how it fails. Aside from this hose, also check out the pressure relief in the R/D - refrigerant and PAG may spew from there if the aux fan(s) aren't turning (be sure to check fan operation).

Beyond that, the system is pretty stout and not leak prone. Of course the other obvious source of leaks is the condenser itself - I would check yours.

SHAMELESS PLUG: I happen to have a squeaky clean condenser for a 1997 E320 W210 that has straight fins with no bugs, no corrosion (TX car), has been flushed thoroughly in both directions, had vacuum pulled on it, and has been stored, boxed, and ready to ship for the last year. There haven't been any takers in the Parts forum, but I'm in no hurry. Let me know if you end up needing one.

Thanks for the tips...fortunately I had injected dye previously when the leak was just a pinhole so I am sure that I will find its source now that the whole charge has leaked out. I will take it to my shop tomorrow and start hunting around for the source of the leak and should know soon what I need.

As for the offer of the condensor, thanks, I will keep it in mind and if it turns out that I need it I will PM you for the terms of sale!

Looks like it is the evaporator that's leaking - DAMN!

Anybody in the field seeing more W210 evap failures now that the cars are getting to be 10± years old?

Anyone in New England who has experience doing one that wants to take it on?

Wow, I guess as the 210s age we are going to see more and more of this. I pity you...