190e Air Conditioning Experience & Recommendations
 

Hi all.

87 190e. Since I've had it, the AC has never cooled impressively or realistically been working at 100%. Most likely the results of prior owners who skimped on maintenance. Last time it worked was probably 2 years back, with a noisy clutch and a leak from the rear seal of the compressor being the final straw before it stopped working. (The car is one of many and has been driven less than 700 miles over the past 2 years.)

I am thinking about utilizing it more and I need / want decent A.C.

Is the system in an 87 190e capable of keeping cabin temps comfortable in hot temps?

I'm planning on continuing with the use of R12. At a minimum, I'm going to need a new compressor / clutch and dryer. Anything else I should change while I have the system apart?

Any recommended suppliers for quality AC parts at decent prices? I don't want to repair this system again for a few years.

Thanks for the input.

Tinker

If every thing is right the 201 car will have mediocre AC. There are a lot of thing that can make it worse including the refrigeration system itself. Duct positions heater valve contribution don't help.

Replace the drier along with the compressor. If the compressor only leaks then that might be all you need but it never hurts to replace the expansion valve and flush the system thoroughly so that the oil level can be properly established.

Thanks Steve,

That's my dilemma, throw money at a 'mediocre' performing system or save my dollars for something else.

Regarding the duct position and 'heater valve contribution'. Are there any modifications that can be made to the system that would warrant the costs?

Tinker

If you want to do it right change the txv valve. If done right and system is leak tight R12 is about 30 % more efficient than 134a