Expansion valve. And now COMPRESSOR SEALS!!!!
 

Thanks for scaring the %$#@ out of me about removing the expansion valve. I was so worked up about it from what I read here, that actually getting it off, drilling it out and re-installing it turned out to be nowhere near as hard as I'd expected!!

That's not to say it was a breeze, but not nearly as tough as I'd anticipated.

I also think I found my leak -- the top two lines barely needed any force at all to break free.

Tomorrow to my mechanic's to flush; install new valve, dryer and compressor; add oil and r12 charge; and hopefully that's that.

Oh yeah, changed out my sieve-like primer pump also. Yeah!

Seals
 

Okay. So I shoulda done a little more research on here and had the seals I needed on hand. See this post for an explanation... Tangofox's seal dilemma.

When I opened the R4 compressor, I saw a green seal, two red and two pilot bushings.

Uh oh.

I was pretty sure I was in for it, so I pumped a little gas in the system before I cranked the engine. Can I tell you that my freon rushed out just as fast as I pumped it in?

Drat. Well, at least now I have the proper NAPA part#s. Thanks Tangofox.

I gotta super long drive Sunday and Monday so I rented a car. As soon as I get back, I'll get the proper seals and be cool again!

My ten year old
 

My daughter says that tests aren't difficult if she studies. Search this forum and have easy tests. Way to go.

I just did the job on my 300SD and it was a lot easier than I expected it to be. That being said, I'm glad I read the different posts here and was prepared for most of what I found.

Gotta thank all the writers who give their knowledge to us....it's an awesome thing!

It's nice to have air again!

You have it easy :)

At some point I need to get a new compressor, drier, and expansion valve set back in my 300D because the compressor started making a moaning noise and leaked all the freon out (dunno the exact circumstances - my brother was driving it at the time).



What's worse, I'm in Texas and the 110* heat waves are coming. I can feel it.


EDIT: Oh, and on top of all that, my system is converted to R-134 and I can't convert it back. WOOHOO, looks like a hot summer...

I spent hours getting mine out.. Would have been easy if I could find the right tools at the right price.. ($0)