I used R134A , full R12 1.3 Kg charge - not the 80% or 85% or 90% charges.
Cools very well, actually gets too cold and I have to switch over to economy.

If I remember correctly, I replaced front and rear case seals , front ceramic and rear o-ring shaft seals, both valve plates, manifold seal.
I rebuilt because the cost was so low compared to a new compressor.
The total cost including PAG oil was around $35.
A factory rebuilt compressor is often not a good product, and a new Denso is over $200.
Anyway, I rebuilt it in April 08, still works well.

One note about my system --Since I did not know what the previous owner had done to the A/C system , I also did a pressure flush using solvent based cleaner, replaced the dryer, fan switch and cut-out switch (converted low pressure to high - low pressure switch ), cleaned the evaporator - what a pain - and condenser.

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1986 300SDL 201K Daily Driver
1984 300D In Progress
1989 240GL 196K Swedish Brick
1984 300SD -- Sold 289K
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Well the previous owner told me it needs to be replaced... it blows warm... he told me he replaced the evaporator, the condensor, and something else which i can't think because its been a long day..., he is a mechanic and he recommended changing the comprerssor out...
well at $ 350.00 new, i figure i would ask u all and see if i could repair it, so that i can have cold a/c and save me 350.00
maybe its just out of R 34 ....??

All previous owners say their cars need the compressor replaced if it is not blowing cold air.. this gives the impression that fixing the AC is a simple remove and replace situation.. which can be quantified as to cost in the buyer's mind...
It may be true... but it is also what people say as part of the sales pitch...
Since you are using 134a be sure that the one you are wanting to rebuild is the one TRAY at Carlisle recommends for that higher pressure.... Would be a shame to rebuild the wrong model...
What did Tray say about rebuilding your compressor ... ????

You can get rebuilt units for well under $200,

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81 300SD daily driver/project
86 420SEL (sold)
85 380SE(in the graveyard)

I just replaced my hockey puck with one from the yard. Now it my A/C works great!

MTU,
Your yard, the pick and pull yard , your next door neighbor's yard ?

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=156207&highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

Just got my compressor out planning on tearing it down and finding parts this week.

Where did you get your parts from?

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81 300SD daily driver/project
86 420SEL (sold)
85 380SE(in the graveyard)

I got the seals and gaskets from Carlisle. The valve plates from a re-builder.

__________________
1986 300SDL 201K Daily Driver
1984 300D In Progress
1989 240GL 196K Swedish Brick
1984 300SD -- Sold 289K
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