I'm in the process of removing the condenser on a 91 300E. But I can't seem to be able to remove the hose connection between the condenser and the hose leading to the compressor. I've put liberal amounts of WD40 but to no avail. I've been using two adjustable wrenches. Does anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks

Kent, keep trying, those connectors can be really tight (they were on mine). I was able to get results by spraying with penetrating oil and using a pipe wrench on the hose nut with an extension. Be careful..

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e Sold
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Thanks. I finally got it off by removing the whole hose from the compressor and then placing it on a large vice on a table.

Make sure you get new o-ring to reseal the manifold when you put it back together.

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Did just that. Thanks. JeffSr at the same time I was contemplating if I should charge with r134 or r12. This is on a 91 300E. Condenser was leaking so put in new, plus expansion valve (r134), recevier drier and switches. Can I evacuate the system and then charge up with r134 and compatible oil charge? When I removed the "tight hose" from comp noticed that alot of orangish oil leaked out. Was that the comp oil, mineral oil? Can I assume that most of the oil is out of the system when recharging. I'm afraid I'm going to get a evaporator leak sometimes and loose the expensive r12 which must always be charged at shop for $200+.

You can certainly do the retrofit now as you have replaced most of the stuff, that may be problematic with the change. The mineral oil does not have to be removed. It is compatible with the Polyol oil that is used with r134a. Pull a vacuum and charge away. I did the retro on my 89, and thus far this summer it has worked quite well. A bit slower on cool down when it's hot, but it's really not bad considering the system is not optomized for that refrigerant. BTW, do NOT use PAG oil for your retrofit. You will have to change all of the hoses and get the barrier type hose.

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 09-12-2000).]

Thanks. This is a simple question but the oil can simply be charged from a can right? The ND Comp doesn't have fill port or anything am I correct on this? Also when you say Polyol oil this is this ester and is it available in a can to charge. Thanks

Thanks. This is a simple question but the oil can simply be charged from a can right? The ND Comp doesn't have fill port or anything am I correct on this? Also when you say Polyol oil this is this ester and is it available in a can to charge. Thanks

Yes to all. the oil comes in the can marked oil charge. The r134a and the oil charge can be obtained at most reasonably sized auto outlets. Most of the stuff is made by Interdynamics. HTTP://WWW.id-usa.com
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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 09-13-2000).]

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 09-13-2000).]

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 09-13-2000).]