a/c condensor needed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Don DS · #1 06-06-2007, 09:45 PM

Anyone know a good source for an a/c condensor for my 84 300SD? I would also consider used. I live in Canada and would prefer to order from Canada if possible. List price is $630 Cdn. I'll sweat before I pay that! Car is still on R12 and I hope to keep it that way.

DeliveryValve · #2 06-06-2007, 10:35 PM

Get a universal parallel flow condenser. It is WAY more efficient then the stock serial flow condensor and cheaper! This will make your A/C very cold!. You will just have to make some longer custom hoses to reach it.

This one is 50.00 US dollars from eBay that I think would fit on a W126.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Universal-Parallel-Flow-24-X-14-AC-A-C-Condenser-New_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33547QQihZ019QQitemZ8060105364QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

Or try here for more sizes... Although not sure if they ship to Canada.

http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Category_Code=Parallel&Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=01

Good Luck.

vstech · #3 06-06-2007, 11:08 PM

my condenser in my car is 16x26 it the higher efficency going to make up for the lack of physical size?

DeliveryValve · #4 06-07-2007, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

my condenser in my car is 16x26 it the higher efficency going to make up for the lack of physical size?

If your talking about a parallel flow...Yes. In a serial flow condenser, about 75% of the refrigerant is contacting the tubes for heat transfer and in a parallel flow close to 100% of the refrigerant is in constant contact with the tubes to transfer heat. Also a parallel flow has more fins to disperse the heat from the condenser.

James L · #5 06-07-2007, 04:44 PM

There is an ebay store seller.....forget the name...car-parts-wholesale? Anyway I got my 1984 w126 300SD condenser new for $110.00. It fits good, about the same design as oe Behr/ACM. It came shrink wrapped with plugs from California and has a warranty. If you want I can find ebay sellers name.

Don DS · #6 06-07-2007, 09:05 PM

Thanks for the help. James, I wouldn't mind the name of the store with the proper fit condensor. Maybe I'll get my a/c working before summer really starts to heat up!

Don

deerefanatic · #7 06-07-2007, 09:45 PM

I'll sell you my used OE condensor for $30 + shipping. Probably no import dues being a "used" auto part.... I'm planning on going to a parrallel flow unit someday and AC isn't a real priority right now as I don't have the $$$ to do the job right....

My condensor has a few slightly bent fins, and the top discharge tube is loose (retaining strap rivet broke, pop riveter can fix that.) and has no leaks that I'm aware of..... Well, it held it's charge of 134a for 2 years since I bought the car........

James L · #8 06-07-2007, 11:59 PM

Don DS, ebay seller is carpartswholesale.com (US Auto Parts) 800-541-2521, the item number is P34152, $101.09 + 15.90 shipping (new!).

Tip, do not drain radiator, just remove , shroud, engine fan/clutch and radiator clips, just pull radiator up and slip condenser in. you neede a helper.

Don DS · #9 06-13-2007, 09:33 PM

James - thanks for the tip, that method worked for me, alone! Maybe the helper would be a good idea when I go for the install ...

Deerefanatic - I'm interested in your condensor, is it the correct one for a R12 system? I want to stick with R12 and I understand a 134A condensor is a different one. Anyone know for sure? If it will work for me, what kind of arrangement shall we make for payment/shipping? I live in Ontario, Canada.

Thanks, Don

deerefanatic · #10 06-13-2007, 09:40 PM

No, condensors are universal as far as capability is concerned.. I am actually planning on going with a parallel flow unit with R12.... I wanna hang raw meat in here!!

Yes, Mine is a completely stock 126 condensor. Got a few bent fins in corners and where the Auxillary fan frame contacts it....... Otherwise in good shape... The tube across the top has a broken solder joint in the one retaining bracket.....been that way since I got the car... The Liquid line hose holds it still once it's all connected.....

Paypal is probably the easiest way to get money across the boder..

As much as I hate em, the USPS is the cheapest cross border shipper because they allow you to file a disclaimer for used goods to wave border fees.....

I can get you some pics to see before you agree to buy it. Please note it's installed in the car right now so the pictures will be as such, but I can remove it to send to you if you want.....

If it were me, I'd just go for the parallel flow unit on ebay for ~ $50 and take my chances seeing if it would slip through customs without fees. Ask the seller if he could call it a "used" condensor when he sends it, thus exempting from import dues.....

Just my $.02... Let me know what you'd like to do.... (PM Me......)

estod · #11 06-14-2007, 01:11 AM

I think I bought mine (uninstalled yet) at ACKits(.com). They had one the correct size for a 123 -- I paid around $100. They were easy to work with, and were recommended by someone on this forum. I buy stuff from Ebay sometimes, but it makes me nervous.