Ok I have 600 dollars to spend to fix my cars air conditioner I know it only needs a new compressor and dryer but I want to make sure it works for a long time and not die on me in one year. My car is a 1982 300 turbo diesel. I was thinking of going to the junk yard to find a good compressor if I cant get a new one at the price range. My mechanic said I could get the compressor from any american car with the GM-4 series something like that. What is it AC-delco or something. And I was wondering with $600 can I modify the air condtion system so it will work better and put a different compressor or will it be to much? Thanx for any help it be appreciated I'm 20 years old and it looks like im gonna keep this car for a long time and I want everything to work. Next thing to do is to fix the cruise control. I make alot of long trips and it's nice to see diesel for 1.40 or less and gasoline at over $1.80. Cant drive my 500SLC anymore that car guzzles gas like a maniac. I drive it only very short distances..

1985 model. Required the following parts:

a) Brand new Delco air compressor - $200.
b) Rebuilt pushbutton console from Partsshop.com.
c) Pressure switch, compressor to condenser hose and Klima relay from Fastlane.com.
d) My time trying to figure out why I was not getting air flow out of my center vents and resolving that issue - 3 hours.
e) My time replacing the above mentioned parts - Don't remember, I have done it over the past couple months.

The problems with the Klima relay and the pushbutton console was burned out soldering. I was able to fix the Klima relay (I now have a spare) but was not too comfortable taking apart the circuit boards on the pushbutton console.
Jim
'85 300D
'95 E320
'97 CRV

Did you install compressor your self or did you have a mechanic do it. Is it easy to install? My push buttons seem to work.

I found the compressor change to be easy. You will have to change the dryer too. I found some "opened" up soldering on the circuit board of the pushbutton console that prevented it from providing power through the protection circuit.

Try to find a good independent a/c shop that does car a/c. I found a guy that is very honest and straight forward. When I started using him I told him that I wanted him to tell me what was wrong and let me resolve it and bring it back to him. He only did the a/c related stuff - pulling a vacuum and pressurizing the system, checking to see if the comp. worked when it was pressurized, etc. I did all of the repairs. I do not think I would have wanted to pay a MB dealer to find the vent damper door linkage - that took some head scratching. I finally found it when I "went in" to check the actuator with a vacuum pump.

Jim
'85 300D
'95 E320
'97 CRV

...W123MB
With $600 to spend on your AC, you should be able to fix it and have plenty of $$$ left over. Since your car uses the
R-4 comp.,you can get rebuilt ones from Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts,or some other auto parts store for $99.95. Receiver/dryer cost about$60. If you want to convert to R134a refrigerant, now would be the time to do it. The kits come with everything you will need. The kits cost $34.95.
You will need a vacuum pump to evacuate the system.
Bill Lewallen;Lexington,Ky. Home of Valvoline Oil

one other thing. Get specific instructions on how to pre-lube the new compressor prior to putting it in. This lesson cost me $200.
I would go ahead and spring for a new compressor. Take a good look at your hoses too. If they are "bulged" out you will want to replace them.
Jim

Been there, done that. I highly recommend that you use a NEW compressor for this application and flush the system thoroughly along with a new filter/drier.

The best insurance you can purchase is a suction side filter installed before the entrance to the compressor. If there is anything in the system left from the compressor failure, this will prevent it from destroying the new compressor.

My wife ended up getting fed up with her otherwise perfect 300TD wagon after two failed a/c compressors. Had I known about the suction side filter, I could have fixed it right the first go around.

Also, I highly recommend staying with R12 on these cars, you just lose too much capacity when going to R134. There's not a big enough condensor.


Good luck,

Greetings Larry,

Just wondering where you obtained a suction side filter and if it's a part shop part, if so what's the number.

Thanks,

Charles

The suction side filter is an after market part, you will have to get one from an a/c supply house. It goes in the suction line near the compressor inlet.

Have a great day,