I retrofitted my 87' 300E to 134a 2yrs ago and it isn't very cold at idle. I was at a different tech. forum and a Volvo owner had the same problem. However Volvo as developed a factory retrofit kit which contains a more efficient condensor. Apperently the oe condensor could barely handle the r12 load. Has anyone heard of this for my car? Could I wire the fan so it comes on when the compressor is engaged? Or should I ask the ever helpful PartsShop?

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Chris Muc
Auto mechanic
'87 300E 325,000 km

[This message has been edited by CMuc (edited 08-17-1999).]

The late style condensor is updated and has more capacity. This is only true for the O.E. part and that is all that should be used. Another trick is if you have to replace the expansion valve you can give the bottom nut about 1/4 to 1/2 turn clockwise to lower the low side pressures.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I have a 92 190E2.6. Can the expansion valve be adjusted on it and can it be reached without to much trouble?

Your 1987 has only 1 aux fan & later cars have 2 of them. Also the condensor area has plastic shrouding to direct all air across the condensor.
By bypassing the aux. fan ballast resistor you can increase the air flow around town.