Help! 450SL compressor swap out
 

My 1977 450SL is my daily driver. This weekend I decide, finally, that I *need* my A/C to work. My problem all ready had been diagnosed as a compressor leak, so I tried to swap it out with a new one I bought.

The Climate Control manual I have on CD lists a nice simple set of instructions: basically just remove the radiator, release the belt tensioner, crack open the pipes, separate them from the compressor, then unbolt the compressor carrier and pull it out.

My problem is simply HOW DO YOU GET AT THOSE STUPID BOLTS???? I can't figure out a way to get an angle that will let me slap a wrench or my rachet on the 15 mm bolt on the back of the compressor that holds the pipes in place, or on the two front 13 mm bolts that hold the compressor carrier in place. Any who have done this job know what else I need to remove to have a clean shot at these critters? :confused:

Bump to the top. I know you wiser heads are out there...

tjohn------ALERT!!!!!!

Do you have a set of a/c gauges? Do you know if there is any residual pressure in the system?

If you are not certain, DO NOT loosen those bolts holding the lines to the compressor until the condition of the charge can be ascertained.

Hope this warning is not necessary, but just in case.............

Ted

Thanks for the tip. No, I don't have A/C gauges, but my system all ready had been evacuated of freon, so I should be safe on that score. Now if I just could figure how to get the compressor outta there....