vstech, I like your way of thinking with regards to DIY. I really don't like taking car anywhere where I am not sure of the quality of work, plus it costs money!

Car is running R12 and probably original compressor. It cools extremely well (when expansion valve is not sticking).

I might think about the single use cylinder idea...I suppose I would lose a little bit of refrigerant in the process. The AC is so cold when it works, that I tend to think the other system components are up to snuff, so no plans to replace compressor. If I suck out the refrigerant, does this mean I don't need to worry about adding any oil? That would make this job pretty easy. I have one of the cheapo vacuum units from Harbor Freight that hooks up to an air supply to create a vacuum.

I suppose there is no way cheap way to flush the system?

It is interesting how light of a tap on that valve will make the system cool again, I can barely just nudge it. My DIY mind is trying to think of a device that I could use from the cabin to give the valve a tap when it doesn't want to operate, I know this would be the ultimate redneck fix though!

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