W109 3.5 how difficult (and expensive) is AC renovation?

[werminghausen]

My AC never worked since I owned it. There is no refirgerant in the system.
What are suggestions for renovating?
Is there someone who is remanufacturing the compressor? Is the condenser /evaporator typically robust or prone to fail?
How is the control side working?
I have renovated my W126 AC but I never touched this one.

[mercmad6.3]

If it's the factory set up it's very simple and basic. Same compressor as W126 too but no vacuum pods to complicate things.

[werminghausen]

The compressor is different. I'll crawl under the car and check type and number.
Does anyone have a diagram how the system works? What are good sources for dryer, o-rings etc?
I know you guys don't recommend switching to R134a.

[thorsen]

ackits.com
rayeveritt.com
www.nostalgicairparts.com/

If it were me, I would replace the compressor with a new Seltec rotary compressor ($225), put in a new parallel flow condenser ($100), replace the drier, expansion valve (assuming it has one), and pressure switch ($60), and have new hoses made ($100-$200?)

[Tony H]

The compressor is the very common and robust GM A6. The Dryer can be expensive but I found the correct one for a very reasonable price-our cars use some of the same parts being 3.5's. I would replace the compressor, dryer, hoses, idler pulley, belt and expansion valve. Flush the evaporator and condenser. Here are some A/C forums I subscribe to:

http://www.autoacforum.com/categories.cfm?catid=2

http://www.acsource.net/acforum/index.php

Here is a good place for hoses and misc parts:

http://www.rayeveritt.com/

As mentioned you should stick to R12 if you can. There is a lot of it still around.

[werminghausen]

Originally Posted by thorsen

ackits.com
rayeveritt.com
www.nostalgicairparts.com/

If it were me, I would replace the compressor with a new Seltec rotary compressor ($225), put in a new parallel flow condenser ($100), replace the drier, expansion valve (assuming it has one), and pressure switch ($60), and have new hoses made ($100-$200?)

Basically you are saying to renovate the entire system...That was what I did for my W126. I even ripped out the heater core for changing the evap.
Would you think the evap is good?

All together we are looking at roughly $1000 and a lot of work.
Does anyone know how easy I get access to the evaporator/expansion valve?

Does anyone have the data...how much refrigerant R12 is needed, how much capped oil.

Does anyone have the electrical diagram for the AC?

Thanks.

[werminghausen]

Originally Posted by Tony H

The compressor is the very common and robust GM A6. The Dryer can be expensive but I found the correct one for a very reasonable price-our cars use some of the same parts being 3.5's. I would replace the compressor, dryer, hoses, idler pulley, belt and expansion valve. Flush the evaporator and condenser. Here are some A/C forums I subscribe to:

http://www.autoacforum.com/categories.cfm?catid=2

http://www.acsource.net/acforum/index.php

Here is a good place for hoses and misc parts:

http://www.rayeveritt.com/

As mentioned you should stick to R12 if you can. There is a lot of it still around.

Thanks Tony

I have to look at the system. i have not fully understand the knows in my middle dash. I think the lower ones are operating the AC. The upper ones the heating which are two separate fans and things. I had the AC fan out when I renovated the bottom sheet metal and rocker panels... I remember.
but I didn't come across the evaporator/expansion valve.
Good idea to change everything but on the other hand it is also a lot of money... I'll see... I agree with R12. What can go wrong with the idler pulley?