Anyone know about DENSO A/C compressor rebuilts? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hbofinger · #1 04-14-2008, 09:09 PM

I just found a deal on eBay on an A/C compressor reman no core required, OEM, done by DENSO. Anyone know if they are any good? 12 month warranty. I am considering getting this for the "Queen Mary" (black/black 1989 560 SEL). They quote below $300. I am planning to keep this car, so if the A/C rebuild is "do it and then sell it" - that's not the plan (in fact I am also putting in a parallel condenser).

OK here is the link - don't all pile on and drive up the price!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-AC-Compressor-OEM-Denso-420SEL-560-SEL-SEC-SL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ33543QQihZ011QQitemZ320173563108QQrdZ1QQ sspagenameZWD1V

Matt L · #2 04-14-2008, 09:35 PM

Notwithstanding the fact that this is sold by an Ebay store, likely with no recourse if the part is bad when shipped, avoid rebuilt compressors like the plague they are.

Shorebilly · #3 04-15-2008, 06:44 AM

Nippon DENSO is a large manufacturer of Fuel Injection components, in Japan. I have seen some of their training videos and some if the folks in them wear Toyota uniforms...perhaps they are a division of Toyota.

If the AC compressor in question is, IN FACT, re manufactured by DENSO in one of their facilities....then it should be acceptable.....DENSO puts out quality stuff.....

SB

mbdoc · #4 04-15-2008, 07:57 AM

Same quality part you would get at dealer.

DENSO has been the only OE a/c compressor on Mercedes starting in 1984 on the 190D.
And all MB's as of 1986!

outofspec · #5 04-15-2008, 10:24 AM

I'm not sure about compressors, but I purchased; a radiator, center and rear muffler from the guys at Impotec and had great results. I have a 1989 300SEL. I got my rebuilt Denso on ebay from Jensen Auto, great price, worked great. Give them a try. http://www.jensenparts.com

JimF · #6 04-15-2008, 11:04 AM

hbofinger, the 'ad' says it's remanufactured at Denso, and as shorebilly & MB Doc said, it's "OEM" quality.

The price is also good so if it is as advertised, it's a good unit.

Last year, I replaced mine with a Denso re-manufactured compressor.

pawoSD · #7 04-15-2008, 06:04 PM

If only they had used this type of compressor on the diesels.....oh well.

hbofinger · #8 04-17-2008, 02:45 PM

Well - thanks everybody. I sprang for it - there were only two left at that price, I was temped to buy the second one and shark it, but nah - wouldn't have worked out with the warranty anyhow! Plus it wouldn't have been very nice...

I suspect I'll be putting it in in a month or so, as I do my parallel condenser conversion...

TheDon · #9 04-17-2008, 02:52 PM

I would only buy a new compressor... rebuilds.. eehhhhh

rennylin · #10 04-18-2008, 11:06 AM

I rebuild one 2 years ago on my 86 190-2.3, just replaceed Brush and gasket and freon doesn't leak since then. Refurnish one by manufacture should be fine.

NDP 2.6 190E · #11 04-18-2008, 05:16 PM

Nippon Denso compressors are really well made and easy to rebuild. I rebuilt mine as a precautionary measure while replacing a leaky condensor. The case seal kit was about $14.

I also ordered a '91320 Nipondenso Seal Service Kit' for about $38 from Mastercool in AZ. It includes tools needed to replace the shaft seals.

You can continue to use your car after removing the compressor by running a shorter serpentine belt; Goodyear part # 6PK2310 is the right length for the 190e 2.6. Just be sure to seal-up the A/C fittings to prevent crap from getting in there.

Cheers!

qwkcoupe · #12 06-11-2008, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NDP 2.6 190E

Nippon Denso compressors are really well made and easy to rebuild. I rebuilt mine as a precautionary measure while replacing a leaky condensor. The case seal kit was about $14.

I also ordered a '91320 Nipondenso Seal Service Kit' for about $38 from Mastercool in AZ. It includes tools needed to replace the shaft seals.

You can continue to use your car after removing the compressor by running a shorter serpentine belt; Goodyear part # 6PK2310 is the right length for the 190e 2.6. Just be sure to seal-up the A/C fittings to prevent crap from getting in there.

Cheers!

Maybe a slight highjack here, but a good thread about denso compressors, particularly DIY rebuild.

I have a 92 300TE and I am very mechanically inclined. I've never rebuilt an A/C compressor before.

Symptom is A/C oil leaking from A/C compressor housing.. Original R12 car and all the A/C system with 106,000 miles. I figure the gaskets need replacing since it is a leak and the system is working fine. Although, I quit using the A/C in Texas 90*F+ heat to make sure I don't burn up this thing if it runs out of oil.

What specialty A/C tool are needed specific to rebuilding the A/C compressor housing case gaskets? (I know all the ones for A/C service in general)

What are the compressor housing case reassembly torque specs? I figure this is a sensitive torque setting since it is an aluminum housing.

Can you point me in the right direction for the proper amount of oil to be used in each component of the system... I will flush everything and convert to 134a with a parrallel flow condensor... I hope my 92 300TE does not have the faulty evap... I will research aircondition.com ASAP.

One last question, since the 93, 94, and 95 cars are 134a in USA, are those parallel flow condensors? If so, is it an easy upgrade with an OEM part braket matches, or should I go for an aftermarket parallel flow condensor and mess with the braket mounting configuration?

bolded questions most important to me.
Thanks,
Brian

samiam4 · #13 06-12-2008, 01:07 PM

I went through this a year or so ago-

Remember with rebuilding, if that compressor unit has seen any trash in the system, you'll most likely see scorn cylinder walls. Then how true those aluminum walls are determines the life left. I had a car with 70 k miles and the compressor was trashed. Kept the clutch as it shows little wear.

At the time, I could only find rebuild. I got one from the big Dallas wholesaler as it came in 1 day- been fine. They told me the rebuilder's name and I found them on the net.
Later, I got a response from someone in Australia and he said new were avaliable and gave me a local contact. It was like a short block-so you reused your end plates.
As far as upgrading, it depends on the year hardware differences. The line sizes and a bunch of things are different-not just the condesor. With a conversion, R134a runs more pressure and you NEED to have a 2-stage fan would be best. AFtermarket you'll really need to crank some numbers and see if the generic (aka smaller size) will elimate the gains. Of course, any working system is better than a non-working system.
I think the 9X+ cars had a bigger compressor also, so you'd need engine brackets too. Not sure when the brake is in production- my 86' definately is early.
For the work and effort, I would replace all hoses, o-rings, dryer, and expansion valve pull a deep vacuum and fill it with R-12. Cheaper in the long run, for texas I'd like parallel R134a setup with R-12. A/C system capacity can never be too big.

Michael

qwkcoupe · #14 06-12-2008, 06:03 PM

Michael,
Thanks for the bigger picture. I will consider my compressor trashed first, then see if it is salvageable. I am very close to selling this car, oh as much as I love to drive it does not hold well baby three comming third car seat well. We don't like kids in the very back rear facing... Thanks to my neighbor for selling me the 190e a few years back. I am so hooked on MB!

It is a wagon w/100+K miles and it is an oem compressor that has lived its life in California and Florida and now a bit in Texas. I bet unless Cali was really nice on it, the unit is wore out from the additional cooling load of the wagon's interior space, albeit w/tinted windows its whole life.

Between mastercool and the vendors linked to aircondition.com, where is the o-ring kit; did you get yours from a Toyota dealer?

Can I micrometer the pistons and walls, OR just go by wall scratches?

I see Japan rebuild is a good source, What company in USA or Japan for a good rebuild, one that stocks them all the time? Toyota dealer?

I like the idea of 134a condensor with R12 running through it!
These fans make a lot of noise as it is, way more than the 190e fans that cooled 134a convert pretty well down to ~42*F on a 80*F minimal sun day.

Thanks million for the thoughts,
Blessings from Brian