Add me to the list, bad W124 evaporator :( - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bio300TDTdriver · #16 04-20-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amg280

Thanks for the advice guys. Ive made the decision to takle it myself. I have access to a shop where I ca vacuum it and charge it myself. Now, im getting a parts order together, and have a few questions.

Where do I get the foam for the vents? Is this ACM evap/expansion valve combo up to the job?

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/autopartsplace/wizard.jsp?PBJ=080419_075331_0256710410_BNZ&year=1993&make=MB&model=300-DT-003&category=R&part=A%2FC+Evaporator

Do I need a special tool to pull the steering wheel off?

Thanks for all the replies.

As mentioned above replace the vacuum pods that allow the CCU to change where the air comes out. You don't want to pull your dash again to do them later.

When I replaced my pods ( I didn't do the evaporator as it is still holding) I did not pull the steering wheel, I just telescoped it out. The FSM however says to pull it. Pulling and putting the dash back is not all that complicated, as I was able to do it. It is time consuming though. As Sixto mentiond Dave M.(GSXR) has had several 124 dashes apart, so if you run into trouble, I'm sure he can help.

amg280 · #17 04-21-2008, 12:19 PM

Very good to know, thankyou.

My last question, as I plan to tear this apart tonight (start it at least), Do I have to remove the wiper assembly/blower motor? Does the entire box have to come out completely, or can I pull the evap out without disrupting the heater core/etc?

Thanks,

Andy

Update: Here are some pics of my progress tonight. Now im just waiting on parts...

amg280 · #18 04-23-2008, 08:02 AM

The MB manual says to remove the metal screen from the old evap, and glue it to the new one. Is this really neccessary? My old screen has seen better days, and is covered in green dye. What do you guys think? I cant see a purpose for it...

9192benz · #19 04-23-2008, 11:30 AM

Good job, looks like you made a lot progess in an evening! My screen was in good shape so I reused it but really saw no need for it either. Can your just be cleaned and reused? My evaporator looked as shot as yours. Did you go with the ACM unit? Look at all the money you're saving, now you'll have some for the pump!

amg280 · #20 04-23-2008, 11:35 AM

Some for the pump? haha. If another AC component breaks in this car its going to mysteriously go up in flames!

I did go with the ACM unit. The fit and finish seems very OEM. I only had to bend the outlet tubes approx 1/2 inch to get it to line up, not too bad. Im going to start the reassembly process tonight, as I will have the remaining parts to complete the project (vacuum modulators).

Will post pics...

amg280 · #21 04-25-2008, 11:09 AM

Well the job is done. Almost done, I just need to evacuate and then re-charge the system.

In retrospect, the job wasnt all that bad. Just budget alot of time, and be very organized in your disassembly. Everything comes apart very easily. Reassembly was also very easy. The only hard part I had was putting the dash board back on. You really have to force it to get the defrost vents to pop into place.

Also, be VERY careful when disassembling the heater box after you have it out. The first two side pieces that you have to take off especially. There is a rod that connects the two floor flaps that goes through the center of the box. When you take one side off, it will tug on the other side's flap. When I tried to detach it (pass. side), I broke the little plastic clip. Its very small and very delicate. There is no part number for it and its pretty unique in the way it flexes. I tried to glue it but it didnt stay. I ended up drilling it with a small bit and then driving a small screw through it. That set me back a few hours. Try not to make that mistake.

Other than that, the job is fairly straitforward. I placed a good amount of caulk on the box before I fastened it to the firewall. Im not sure if this is needed, but its good insurance.

Andy

amg280 · #22 04-25-2008, 03:33 PM

"Cryo-Chem: SSR/Cryo-Chem has been marketing specialty chemical products for mobile air conditioning systems for over eighteen years. We have the advantage of field experience that has shown us how they will perform, and how to be successful in using and selling them to the public.

We are unique in the industry in that we offer a 1- year, unconditional warranty. The technician fills out a registration card with the vehicle type, age and mileage, as well as information about the servicing location and technician. By comparing the data on the returned cards to our known warranty rate, we have established a failure rate of 1 in 150 during our existence. Plus, we also learn why the product fails on certain applications.

While the vast majority of failures are due to misapplication or improper installation, we have experienced failures even with proper installation. On these occasions, we found that were "running seam cracks." Example: evaporator failure along the welded seam of the tank and coil header.

As the product seals along the leading edge of the leak, that pressure builds. The crack opens further, breaking off the seal. The only indication of this type evaporator failure is that a system, which is known to be leaking, holds vacuum for excessively long periods. Why? Because the crack draws closed under vacuum (but won't hold pressure). Thankfully, this type of leak is rare.

In the past several years, we have found that 1 of 6 cars reported are Mercedes. These vehicles have a high rate of evaporator failure, and about a 20+ labor-hour repair. Plus, removing the dashboard requires disconnecting the air bag system and other vehicle control/monitoring components. In this case, liability and comebacks tend to cause our Kit repair to be offered before the component replacement. We believe this situation with the Mercedes products to be indicative of the future of our place in the automotive air conditioning industry."

9192benz · #23 04-29-2008, 10:52 PM

Let us know how your job turned out.

JimmyL · #24 04-29-2008, 11:07 PM

Sounds nice, but I sure hope you have more pics that you just haven't posted yet.........