Freon has escaped through a leak on the compressor. Is changing the compressor as straight forward as unbolting the old one and puting in the new one and then recharging the system.

I am planning to change the compressor with a rebuilt myself. All those who have done this any tips.

Also does the dryer need to be replaced when the compressor is changed or I can leave the old drier.

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SANDEEEP
89 300SEL
230,000Km

Replacing the compressor is fairly easy. You need to loosen the multibelt before you can replace the compressor, but the activity itself is as straight forward as unbolting the old one (& removing the hoses) and putting in the new one (& connect the hoses).

As long as you do not leave the airco system (disconnected compressor hoses) open for a longer time period, you do not have to change the dryer. If you leave the airco hoses disconnected for a longer time period (a couple of hours), the dryer will get filled with moisture that is in the air and you will need to replace it.

greetingz,

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1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

Keep things VERY clean. When you disconnect a hose, cover the end. Moisture can be sucked out by pulling a vacuum, standard procedure, but dirt can't.

Where is the compressor leaking?

Unless you know that the leak is from the compressor shaft seals, you may be able to fix it by replacing the O-rings. I remember there being one on the speed sensor and two on the connection to the manifold pipe. Make sure you specify the R12 type.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

I had a known leak in the compressor head gasket. I was able to change it without taking it out for $15. While the system was empty I changed every O-ring I could get to.

The leak is a small one as the freon lasts almost one summer. On the compressor there are like two housings attached. The leak is just behind the pulley where these housings are attached. Is the gasket between these housings.

__________________
SANDEEEP
89 300SEL
230,000Km