Thanks.
Yeah a new one sounds like the best plan on the surface, but.....
Had some bad experiences last Ffall with my Vette, buying new Delphis; they had been sitting on the shelf for so long they were hard seized. First one would not build pressure, 2nd one makes scary noises. Going to try the third one next month.
Also, the MB Densos come with oil installed, and I bet it's PAG, so I'll have to try to get all that out and replaced with mineral oil, to stay with R12. That's why I'm thinking of prolonging the life on the original a while longer if I can.

DG