Can I replace A/C parts a little at a time?
 

The A/C on my wagon has been open for some time, one of the hose is cracked open. I never worried about the repair since the evaporator was leaking as well.
I am now thinking I might take care of the more difficult parts like the evaporator, vacuum pods, as well as the heater core while I still have some time before college starts. From there I can take care of the easier stuff when time allows.

Is it all right to do this and are there any negatives to doing this?

Since the system has been open can I remove, rebuild, and flush the A/C compressor?

every time you open the system for repair, you SHOULD replace the drier. good luck, chuck.

Everyone approaches A/C a little differently. My approach is to first find an A/C hose shop and replace every hose in the system with new hoses. Next up, new condenser, condenser fan, evaporator core, new heater core, new vacuum pods and when recharging time comes, I buy a new receiver drier and switch from the place that recharges A/C systems. Also, a new A/C compressor is installed. Finally, if the climate control is acting the least bit weird, it gets replaced.

Expensive? Yes it is, but it is one less thing I have to worry about when going down the road. I hate it when the A/C system fails.

Huskyman, can the A/C hose shop make the new hoses for you? I found a local shop but the guy said he would have to see them....and that they could be difficult to make.

I was also starting with the evaporator, heater core, and pods because they seem like the most labor intensive and that something could happen where I cannot get it buttoned back up in time.

College starts in a month, I figure by the time I collect the information I need and get the parts I can at least get that stuff done.
I still will not have the A/C together and working...but from that point I can pick and choose the next pieces of the project to work on the weekends when I have time. Then when I get to recharging time have them put the drier in.

Questions......Do I need a new compressor and condenser? can the compressor be flushed, rebuilt, new clutch, or is a new one the best way to go?

What am I missing and what do I need to think about before, or if, I decide it's worth it.

Well.......as you say, you have to start somewhere, evaporator, heater core and vac pods are as good as place as any. When it comes to hoses, find a shop that specializes in Auto A/C repair. Depending upon where you live, you may have to go outside of your immediate area. The fact that your guy is saying it may be difficult to manufacture the hoses would give me pause. A real auto A/C shop is used to making A/C hoses day in and day out. They will require you to bring in your old hoses so as to make exact matches. Also, ask if they provide a warranty on their work. I saw a sign at a a hose shop the other day that said, "We DO NOT warranty auto A/C hoses". Needless to say, I won't be giving them any business.

As far as the compressor, one thing for sure; if it fails it will shatter and spread parts throughout the system ruining everything else you have done. I'd go ahead and replace it for nothing more than peace of mind so you can sleep at night. Also, be sure and use an OEM compressor, I made the mistake of buying one from a local parts house (Advanced Auto) and have since regretted the decision.

The condenser and more importantly the condenser FAN is a consideration and if you have come this far you might as well replace both of them as well. That way, you have essentially a brand new A/C system front to back and you don't have worries about hose leaks, compressor failures, evaporator leaks, etc etc.

It's a mess to deal with and why it is a great reason to source a top shelf Auto A/C shop, especially one that is experienced in dealing with Mercedes Benz. Even if you have to travel a distance to get to one, believe me it is worth it. You will need the expertise of such a shop to assist you in getting your A/C in top running condition. Some of the better shops can actually rebuild your A/C compressor to factory specs for half the money it would cost to buy a new one. Be sure and ASK them if they rebuild compressors and what would be the price for a rebuild.

IMHO, Auto A/C is one of the most pain in the a** systems to work on. That is why I insist on acquiring the help of an expert in the field of auto A/C.

Dont worry about finding a place to make the hose, just replace the hose assembly they are inexpensive for your TE -- around $150.

Buy a Denso compressor, no generic brands.

For what its worth, when I replaced my condenser, it significantly helped cooling for both the AC and the radiator since now air was flowing better. This was even including a thorough cleaning. I believe stubborn dirt deep in the coils at this age is not going to come out regardless. $175 for condenser, $220 for compressor, $175 for evap, $150 heater core, $300 pods. That's what to expect. But of course you can just start doing the evaporator and heater core and pods. That alone is a large job to do. Not difficult, just time consuming.