radiator - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dpl · #1 10-26-2009, 09:23 PM

Now overhauling my 68 280s It did not come with a/c and I want to add an ac system. can I swap a radiator from a 71 manual 280se that had an a/c into my manual 280s? will it fix?
can some one please tell me or show me how to add an air condition?
thanks dpl

wbain5280 · #2 10-27-2009, 03:25 AM

The radiator will fit. As for adding A/C, there is an A/C mounting bracket added to the front upper part of the engine over the thermostat and coolant hose. You will also need an additional pully or two and an idler pulley.

dpl · #3 10-28-2009, 02:17 AM

thanks warren
dpl

Pooka · #4 10-28-2009, 01:28 PM

This can be done. It is a fairly big job from a time standpoint, but it is doable.

If you have found a car like yours that has an A/C I would look into getting everything and I mean everything off of it. The radiator is important, but the additional fan, the electrical one in front of the radiator, is also a must. It is supposed to kick on when the A/C comes on or when the temp of the engine rises above certin point.

When the electrical fan kicks on varies from car to car on some of these earlier cars. This is a supject unto itself.

The under dash unit will not include the fan, which is located in the kick panal of the passanger footwell. You will need the mount kit, the drive pully from the end of the crankshaft, the compressor, the dryer and the evaporator that mounts out in front of the radiator.

I would also take any wiring you might run across and you will also find a thermocouple that I think runs up under the glove compartment. All this takes is time but it takes a lot of it.

You should also take all the hoses just so you will know how they all go together, but don't use them. Use new hoses as you will need what are called 'barrier' hoses. They are the only type you can buy now, but they are often refered to as barrier type so they will not be confused with the old style of R-12 hoses. The barrier hoses are built to contain R-134.

A little known fact: Most of the Mercedes S of that era did not come to the US with 'factory' A/C. It was added at the dealer or at a Mercedes make-ready yard. This was common for European cars of all types. Heaters were standard equipment, of course, and you will notice that your car is almost built around the heating system, but the A/C can be added on.

Also take note as to how the hoses are routed through the firewall and into the passanger compartment as you will likely need to cut some holes to get them in there. A regular hole saw is used for this unless your car has cutouts in place for the hoses.

If you can take photos of the placement of items on the donor car. You will need them later.

And, if at all possible, take photos of your project and post them here. It could be a great help to anyone else planning a project like this.

thorsen · #5 10-28-2009, 01:53 PM

Pooka has some good information but I would like to clarify that you should use a new receiver/dryer. Do not reuse an old one. They cost $10.

If it were me, I would use a modern electrical fan in front of the condenser (the new ones are more efficient) and a new aluminum parallel flow condenser (about $100).

If you shop around, you can find new Sanden rotary compressors for under $100, especially now that winter is here. I am getting ready to replace the York compressor on my 280SE with a rotary compressor. I really like the small size and smooth running of the rotary compressors.

bwostosh · #6 10-28-2009, 03:26 PM

I know of a complete 280SE 6cyl car, here in San Diego county for parts.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/pts/1439330291.html

Pooka · #7 10-28-2009, 03:57 PM

I readely agree with everything Thorsen says. Just take photos so you know how and where everything goes, but the parts he mentions buying new are best bought new. I have installed them used, but if you are planning on keeping the car for more than a few months it is a false economy.

Lots of improvements have been made in the A/C world in the last 40 years and you would be nuts not to take advantage of them.

dpl · #8 10-31-2009, 12:16 AM

thanks brian for the tip on the 280se parts for sale in san diego I e-mail the guy and hope he get back to me tomorrow and have not sold it.
Pooka you are very right but can you please give me more information on how to add an A/C to that car and what kind of custom made better performance modern radiator that will fit that car? also who can I contact such as supplier etc.?
thanks
dunn

Pooka · #9 10-31-2009, 01:00 AM

You will likely find the original Mercedes radiator to be all you need unless you live in Death Valley. They were made from brass and are far stronger than anything you can buy today.

You would not want to get a radiator that was too big for your part of the world because in the winter your car would take forever to heat up. A good place to go modern on this would be the electric fan that sits in front of the radiator, though, since big improvements have been made in them during the last 40 years.

It would be best to just shop around for a fan that can move the most cubic feet per minunet (CFM) in the space you have. Pep Boys or AutoZone would be a good place to look for info on this.

thorsen · #10 10-31-2009, 09:03 AM

DPL,

When the radiator in my 280SE started leaking, I could have it repaired for $400, buy a new one for $1000+, or go with an aftermarket aluminum radiator for $200. I went with the aluminum aftermarket; details are on this thread:

1980 280SE Radiator

dpl · #11 10-31-2009, 03:05 PM

pooka,
are you speaking of the radiator cooling fan that is connected to the engine section that blow - facing the radiator to help cool the radiator and engine down?

Pooka · #12 10-31-2009, 03:11 PM

DPL...

I was talking about the fan that is located just behind the front grill, not the one that is mounted to the water punp.

Thorsen...

Thanks for the info. It makes my comments sound like stuff you get from University professors. You know; theory. As in: There is theory that is taught and then there is the real world.

You just can't beat that old real world information. Thanks for posting it.

dpl · #13 11-01-2009, 12:59 AM

pooka,
now I do understand thanks a million.
Step 2: because my 1968 280s only came with a heater with no a/c - The interior section of the car only have the heater vent/cool air vent. do I get from the 72 or 73 280se interior A/C that sits down in the middle? Iam trying to make the car look like org. or must I just use the org. heater and cooling vent just add the a/c to it?
thanks again
dpl