Opinions please, What should I do with my sshhh ... ac
 

I Just put a new compressor, and drier on my 300 TD. Started pulling a vacuum, and the pump could barely keep up. I took it in to have a leak test done (idiots used 134a), and it appears that the new drier has a hole in it ??? as well as the condensor and the suction line right before the pump. So, here's the question; should I put a parallel flow condensor in and convert to 134a, or put an old tube and fin in from a parts car and stick with R12? Getting R12 is no problem for me (I have 3 lbs waiting to go in), but I would prefer the more environmentally friendly solution. Opinions...
BB

Well the good news is that you have stated the proper question... R-12 or 134a.

( not considering a blend like Freeze12)

Since you have a new compressor.... you would probably be better off putting in the PF condensor and a high performance fan in front of it... lots of good threads about that being the bottleneck physics wise in any air conditioning system.

If you also do your best to clean the fins of your evaporator ( hopefully while in place ) I think you will be in good shape.

All my non MB cars have R-134a from the factory. Even here in Texas I have no complaints about their cooling capacity. I think those changes are likely to take away the original less than stellar engineering on the AC which came with your car and the decreased efficiency of the R-134a molecule in relation to the R-12.

And it will mean that out on the road you will be able to get AC service if you need it pretty much anywhere.