Thought I'd resurrect this thread and let you know the fix....

The problem kept getting slowly worse until finally the A/C unit logged a fault code. EB1 419 - compressor clutch. I did a continuity check on the clutch and it was fine, so I got to thinking about what else it might be and then it hit me: Last year I put in a cheap, Chinese-made, knock-off fan clutch which proceeded to leak silicone fluid about a month after I installed it. This sticky goo was flung all over the front of the engine bay by the fan blades. So, I put 2 and 2 together and figured that some of this stuff got between the mating surfaces on the compressor clutch which caused it to start slipping. I took a can of brake parts cleaner and hosed it down real good, then after it dried off, I took another can and hosed it down again. Then I took it out for a drive and PRESTO!! It's like I have a brand new A/C system. The evaporator chills down to temp in less than two minutes and stays nice and cold even when I'm sitting at idle or in stop & go traffic.


BTW, I now have a genuine Sachs fan clutch installed. No more knock-off parts for me!

__________________
"It's not about how fast you can go, but how well you can go fast."

Bob in Richmond

'97 S320 (LWB), Ruby Red Metallic, 73k miles
'97 S420V, Smoke Silver Metallic, 155k miles