I am servicing the A/C on my 85 300SD and I want to remove and completely drain all the oil from the R-4 compressor. I read though various postings related to my project and most that I have seen mention what a PITA it is to re-install the compressor, particularly properly placing the spacers.

After spending considerable time looking at the set-up I began to wonder it it would be possible to simply remove the entire R-4 mounting bracket from the 617.95 engine block. It looks like it would only take three bolts (marked in RED) to pull it off (pun intended). The standard way to remove the compressor is marked in BLUE. It appears like there would be enough room to drop the whole assembly from below - hose assembly and all. Once out, it would be much easier remove the hose assembly from the compressor and the compressor from the bracket and service it on a bench. Installation would be pretty much the same - reassemble the hoses to the compressor and the compressor on the bracket and then put it back on the engine.

The pictures are not of the engine installed in my car. They are only for illustration.

The only additional step which would be required is to remove the 10mm bolt securing the transmission cooling lines, which is easy enough.

Note that this question does not apply to the W123, only the W126.

Has anyone ever tried or considered this method? What results? I'm game to try it tomorrow unless somebody tells me why it will not work.

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