Hi I just wanted to see if anyone can tell me what are the telltale signs of an AC Evaporator gone bad and if I just need refrigerant? If it is the damn AC evaporator, what can I do? HELP HELP HELP!!!

Sorry to mention; but I have an s500 coupe W140

You need to have a REPUTABLE AC shop do what's called a "sniffer" test. Actually to be thorough they should refill with UV dye then check at a later date with both sniffer and UV lamp to be certain.

I have a slow leak in my W124 and lack the $$$$ to fix right now. I top of 2-3 times a year. I've looked into trying leak fix it type products but everyone here says to stay away from such quick fixes as they tend to ruin your other AC components. Don't know what the truth is but I think I'll be saving my pennies for the big evaporator fix.

It can't hurt to get a charge on your A/C and have the A/C shop put dye in it at the same time. Pray that it lasts the summer. If not - take it back to the place and they can tell you where the dye is leaking. If it's from the condensation drain tube from the evaporator, you're screwed.

i just had this part replaced on my 95 E420 yesterday. $2050. Ouch. I used the aftermarket ACM evaporator, and it save me $600. The OEM part, which sucks, costs $895.

The only problem was that the ACM evap. didn't quite fit perfectly - so the shop had to cut and seal my heater box a few fractions of an inch. Shouldn't be a problem.

Best of Luck
Troy
1995 E420 77k

Sorry you had to fork up so much for your evaporator. I'll keep you posted on the progress....Pray for me

I just wonder how much you paid for labour since the ACM Evaporator with valve is around 300US$ only,the drier $60?

I am thinking of trading in my 300E2.6(w124) or repairing a likely evaporator leak.However,it's been 3 years since the AC compressor was used.I am afraid to sink 2000
US $ only to find out the compressor is bad and it may cost another 2000 to repair totalling 4000 dollars in a car that is worth 5000$ if you trade it in.

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Tom 2010 C250 4-matic Sport (Canada)

The labor was $1350. My shop, which is excellent and very thorough, and has my absolute trust, also recommended replacing the climate control vacuum actuators while the dash was open. I've read that this is wise - the rubber in the "pods" gets weak over the years, and can fail. The parts were about $200. Total bill was about $2050, including evap, receiver dryer, pressure switches, vacuum pods, evac and fill with R-134a. Oh - and the shop had my car detailed afterwards - complete interior and exterior. Apparently the interior gets a bit messy during this job.

Mitch Carr's in Kensington, MD is great. (301) 493-9460. Ask for Hal or Tony.

Troy
1995 E420 77k