I know Mercedes mechanics dont like the idea of using inexpensive parts, but a new R4 goes for $300 and a rebuilt at Pep Boys (where else) goes for $128. Pl remember that all the switches O rings etc will go another 120 during the R134 conversion. I know it makes sense to get the new AC compressor because this is a great 83 240D with a brand new engine, but unfortunately I spent some 2500 rebuilding the engine last year and I'm also rebuilding a 300 CD Turbo this summer. Can anyone offer me any advice as to whether or not to use a rebuilt AC compressor? http://www.jersey.net/~rtc/240D

Carrameow,

Shop around some, be sure and check here too for a price, if I can a new R4 in Ft. Myers for $230 then you can do better than 300 at pep boys....besides did you ever ask benzmac about his waterpump from pepboys? Big,Big can of worms there. Besides that, from what I have read a few days ago regarding rebuilts, is that they are of questionable quality, however, I do not know if this applies to AC/Delco factory rebuilds too, or rebuilds from other 'rebuilders'.

good luck!
-Larry

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03/83 300D
07/73 280

IMHO from years of experience, the use of inferior materials is only cost beneficial if there are no labor costs. In other words just for things you throw away.

If the only problem was the performance good or bad it would be an easier question. The problem is that compressor failures very in their consequences. It's a real bummer to replace a leaking compressor with the relatively minor secondary operations and then have the POS scatter burned aluminum, oil, refrigerant throughout the system. This little event virtually for all time destroys that cars A/C.

Short of total replacement the system will fail sooner, work poorer no matter how much futher work put in it.

If you pay someone to do the work the difference in total cost between the rebuilt and the new repair will probably be around 20%. Not good odds in my book.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

We only sell the new compressors in the R-4.
The reason is the failure rate. Because the cost is so little to rebuild the compressors, the companies will accept a 25% comeback rate. Believe it or not. The new ones have a much lower failure rate.

Don't get me started on the Pep Boy's rage.
I wouldn't buy a part from them if they were the only supplier on earth! I would walk. You can take that to the bank.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

As someone who has spent a long time living paycheck by paycheck Pep Boys was a good place to get inexpensive parts when I was still learning the Craft by trial and error. They were very happy carefree days, I was in my teensand life was easy. I used to love wandering those aisles. Anyway I never thought I'd drive a Mercedes one day. much less have the ability to rebuild one.Of course, life goes in circles-maybe I will end up thier again someday when I'm broke and down and out on my luck, searching for fiber oatch for my $300 truck.

Carrameow,

My experience with a rebuilt R4, actually two of them was a nightmare that ended in my wife getting rid of an otherwise outstanding 300TD. I worked my ___ off in the raging heat trying to overcome the mess put throughout the system, and ultimately it beat me. Don't go through what I did.

I know how it is when money is tight, but find a NEW R4 at the best price you can find. A rebuilt compressor is false economy.

There is one other thing that would be worthwhile to do if you can find out more about it. After I went through that nightmare, I heard someone mention a suction side inline filter. It would definitely be worth consulting an automotive air conditioning supply house to learn about this. It would ensure that none of the junk in the system put there by a previously failed compressor would reach the new compressor. I think if you used a new compressor and one of these filters, you would probably have a permanent repair.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Ordered Exide battery for my 1986 2.3-16V from Pep Boys on Feb 15, 2000. 4-weeks and 6 calls later (all initiated by ME), I ended up asking for my $$$ back. Next day went to Economy Imports and picked up an Interstate battery from stock. Also heard that Exide batteries were having "problems", maybe someone was watching out for me :)

That's my dump on Pep Boys for the day.

Brian