Early vs. late W124 A/C condensers
 

Can anyone confirm that the R12 condensers in the older W124's are not as big/dense as the R134a condenser of the later model W124's?

For the 6-cylinder W124's, can I easily switch out the older R12 condenser with the newer R134a, or are there fitment and plumbing issues? Can I keep my single A/C fan, or do I have to go to dual-fans?

Thanks,
:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

I am not an A/C expert by ANY means, but I do know that an R12 to R134a conversion involves much more than a compressor swap.

The refrigerant molecules of R134a are smaller, and therefore would leak though R12 seals, connectors, and plumbing. So those would have to be replaced for starters...

My system has already been converted, but it just doesn't cool-down as quickly as our 1993 500E.
There are no leaks, and it has an 80% capacity charge of R134a.

I'm thinking it's because of the A/C condenser and/or not having dual-fans up front.

Looking for any help.

Thanks,

:-) neil

Oops, you were referring to CONDENSERS, not COMPRESSORS, as I erroneously pointed out.

From the A/C posts I've read, those who have done the conversion say that R134a doesn't cool as well as R12.

Again since I'm not an expert, I don't know if there is a way to "hot rod" the A/C...

The following thread may be of help. At any rate, Benzmac has an interesting comment about the expansion valve.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/5068-condensor-inefficient.html?highlight=condensor

I went thru this process a few months ago. At some point, MB put larger compressors and 2 cooling fans on the 124... Those cars, apparently, take the 134 changeover better. We did ours this summer, and it's not bad. Consider that we live in South Texas - "not bad" is pretty good, most places.

Bill- are you saying that you put in a bigger compressor and condenser, and even went to dual A/C fans?

If so, was the conversion a bolt-on deal, or lot's of "gotchas"?

If not, what parts did you replace, and did you factory MB parts, or aftermarket (like condenser)?

Thanks,

:-) neil