So I guess that means that the valve does have moving parts, and it is probably just sticking. For $26, a new expansion valve is the way to go, I am pretty sure.

What would a shop charge (assuming they can extract and reuse my refirgerant) just to avacuate, replace valve, flush, and recharge? Maybe 2-3 hours of labor? Wish I had a machine to do this myself!

__________________
Treiberg's Collection: 1981 240D, 1985 300SD, 1992 300E, 1997 E300D, 2005 C230K