I have looked in the forum and searched but haven't seen something just like this, so here goes:

My light blue beauty has had weak a/c since I bought her. 'bout 240,000 miles now; runs like a top. a/c has been charged several times. It seems to run pretty well and coll the car ok when it is not hot outside. However, I live in FL and it is usually hot. If I run the a/c during the day, it may or may not engage the compressor. If the compressor engages, it will usually just disengage at some point, often at a hard stop or after idling for a while. I can feel the change in the engine. After it disengages, I can often stop and restart the car economy, then switch to a/c, and it will engage again.

Also, I get no air at all (a/c or econ) out of the center vents. What's up with that? Defrost, a/c, econ, all blow through the window and side vents. There doesn't seem to be any change when I press the floor button either.

Finally (I didn't search for this one, so kill me if you want), where is the a/c drain for condensation and how do I unclog it? Apparently all the water is draining into my passenger compartment! Heard it sloshing last night.

Thanks in advance.

BTW, I am fairly handy with cars, but have limited access to tools, so if someone knows a knowledgeable and fair mechanic in the Tampa bay area, I would appreciate it.

First of all, you need to find/fix the refrigerant leak. If all you are doing is recharges, then you probably have air in the system and things will only get worse. Frequent recharging may lead to blocked expansion valves, internal corrosion of the system and compressor failure. Or worst of all, requiring the replacement of every AC component. I believe if you need to use more than 1 can/year it is pointing to problems.

Center vents are probably due to a torn actuator diaphram. Do an advanced search for "center vents" and "SD Blue" and you will find a thread covering replacement.

The AC drain problem is due to foam deteriation. It is located in the center console next to the "go fast" pedal. Do an advanced search for "AC drain" and yes, "soda pop bottle".

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Only 1 of several possibilities....

I think there is a temp sensor - (in the front of the head?) - that will shut off the compressor if the coolant gets too hot. I don't remember the cut-off temp - 105* C maybe?

this is probably not your problem, but in my 87 300D, i kept hearing this clicking noise from the climate control unit, i noticed that the unit was turning itself on and off at random. i dont remember how i came to my diagnosis, but i replaced the climate control unit and all the clicking (on and off) stopped.

about the center vents, mine worked for a short period of time and havent worked since, it seems this is a common issue with the climate system. oh yea, i control the heater flap (in the footwell) with my my index finger because that flap went too.

really, i try to steer clear of all tings AC related unless it is a necessity, thank god the PO spent 3K on it (because i wouldnt have)

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MIKE
1987 300D Turbo, 225K
124.133/603.960