W126 420SEL Condenser Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 07-13-2016, 07:40 PM

Hi All,

I am in the process of rebuilding my 420SEL's air conditioning system.

I am looking for a reputable brand for a replacement condenser. A lot of places I look are out of stock on brands I recognize.

A friend of mine suggested going to a universal parallel flow unit and fabricating brackets/hoses, which isn't exactly a bad idea if its cost effective and helps performance.

Just thought I would check with the forum, get some thoughts.

--Kris

Elektri · #2 07-13-2016, 09:50 PM

If the parallel flow was top to bottom, then I would think it should work ok, as heat rises. But I wouldn't think a left to right or right to left parallel flow would work as good?

(I don't know?)

lorainfurniture · #3 07-13-2016, 11:22 PM

I would stick with behr, but I've used an acm for an evaporator before with good results. A properly charged r12 system on a w126 is actually pretty good. I wouldn't bother switching out condensors, I doubt it will be worth all that extra headache.

E150GT · #4 07-14-2016, 12:12 AM

its pretty old. I would think it would make a good deal of difference.

JamesDean · #5 07-14-2016, 01:02 PM

A fellow member on here PM'd me and informed me that there is a company that makes drop in parallel flow replacements for the W126:

However I am not quite sure what to make of the connections they list there. Hmmm

lorainfurniture · #6 07-14-2016, 02:19 PM

If you plan to recharge with r12 give me a holler, I have a big bottle of it and all the equipment to charge it properly.

Frank Reiner · #7 07-14-2016, 03:52 PM

JD:

If the original condenser is not physically damaged, remove it from car and flush it out.

Hit Man X · #8 07-14-2016, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Reiner

JD:

If the original condenser is not physically damaged, remove it from car and flush it out.

It is damaged. :/

I have a PF setup from Klimakit.com on the 300SD as the OE, late Diesel style with the small tubes is basically impossible to locate. Mine has a small hole in it, so smart move was a PF for cost too. Seems it only came on '85 MY 300SD and 300SDL, by the time the 350SD/L came around they had dual fans which would require more money spent.

The universal condenser was about $70. I forget the cost of the brackets, sub $75 I think. I built my own liquid line for about $20 in parts and needed a pair of 90° hard pipes brazed together to fit the existing high side to the new inlet on the PF. I did my own pipe and hose as Klima's kit was out of stock at the time.

Klima Design Works | Parallel Flow Condenser Upgrade Kit W126

Randy · #9 10-12-2016, 03:42 PM

I recall there was an OEM condenser for the later W126 designed for R134-A. I used to have a part number but I gave up on my Air conditioning ever working effectively again so I did not pursue it.
I read constantly that the reason the ACs did not perform well with R134-A was poor condenser performance so I tried an experiment: I put the AC on high recirc and turned a water hose on the condenser full-blast. No noticeable difference in the output temperature. I also installed a generic parallel-flow condenser in a 1977 Rolls-Royce and not much if any noticeable difference.
I simply do not understand why these systems do not cool, yet those in new cars with the same refrigerant are most effective. I have threatened to remove an entire system from a car at the salvage yard and fit it into the 420SEL so I don't have to be hot and ashamed of the AC performance.

Air&Road · #10 10-12-2016, 05:04 PM

The only real down side to a PF is the fact that it is virtually impossible to flush if that ever becomes necessary.

compu_85 · #11 10-12-2016, 09:51 PM

I have one of those aftermarket condensers on my SDL. The build quality isn't very good. Unpainted parts, it's rusting after a year and a half... and is smaller than the factory one. Plus the tabs at the top don't fit the core support properly.

TBH, I'd try to find a good OE tube and fin, and clean it out really well.

-J

Air&Road · #12 10-13-2016, 05:00 AM

A PF can be a little smaller and get the job done since they transfer the heat more efficiently.

JamesDean · #13 10-13-2016, 08:57 AM

The PF unit that I got seemed to be built well. I didnt notice any missing paint or other issued.

Unfortunately it would appear the evaporator has a leak

compu_85 · #14 10-13-2016, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

A PF can be a little smaller and get the job done since they transfer the heat more efficiently.

My SDL had a factory PF condenser, so the size comparison is apples to apples.

-J