1983 300d - Leaking seals on A/C compressor - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GeneW · #1 06-22-2009, 04:56 PM

I recently had the a/c serviced on my 1983 300d and the mechanic also injected dye to see where the leak might be. One month later, it failed again and on inspection, the dye was showing up on the compressor itself. The shop says a new compressor, receiver/dryer and other associated parts to the tune of about $700 and together with labor the total bill is about $1300. My question is this: Since there is nothing wrong with the compressor except that it is leaking refrigerant, is it possible just to remove the compressor, install new O-rings and then reinstall and recharge the system?

tangofox007 · #2 06-22-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneW

Since there is nothing wrong with the compressor except that it is leaking refrigerant, is it possible just to remove the compressor, install new O-rings and then reinstall and recharge the system?

That would depend entirely on what the source of the leak is. Where, exactly, is the dye appearing on the compressor?

If the leak is limited to the manifold, new seals (which may or may not be o-rings) might be all that are needed.

leathermang · #3 06-22-2009, 05:01 PM

Clean the compressor and run it a little bit... check to see exactly where the leak is coming from...

ah-kay · #4 06-22-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneW

I recently had the a/c serviced on my 1983 300d and the mechanic also injected dye to see where the leak might be. One month later, it failed again and on inspection, the dye was showing up on the compressor itself. The shop says a new compressor, receiver/dryer and other associated parts to the tune of about $700 and together with labor the total bill is about $1300. My question is this: Since there is nothing wrong with the compressor except that it is leaking refrigerant, is it possible just to remove the compressor, install new O-rings and then reinstall and recharge the system?

You need a new receiver/dryer every time you open up the system, that is given. You will find installing the O-rings is just as expensive as changing to a new compressor.

You need labor costs to fix the O-rings, if indeed it is the O-rings. A new compressor may be cheaper than the labor costs and the hassle and comes with warranty. The rest of labor to remove, install compressor ( old or new ) and recharge is the same.

But for $1300, that is a lot of money for A/C ..., with an old MBZ something is going to break sometime.

tangofox007 · #5 06-22-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay

You will find installing the O-rings is just as expensive as changing to a new compressor.

Not an accounting major, eh?

ah-kay · #6 06-22-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Not an accounting major, eh?

Tangofox007 - if you have an issue with me then send me a PM. When someone gets old they do NOT get any wiser.

#7 06-22-2009, 05:56 PM

THIRTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell you what. Since you're such a nice guy, I'll do it for a measly $1,250.00.

I have a pretty decent job, but I swear, if auto a/c work was not seasonal I would put up a shingle. I would do it for reasonable money being fair to all these people that are getting ripped off and still make a really nice living.

GeneW · #8 06-23-2009, 10:54 AM

Thanks to all who responded to my question. I appreciate the forum and its members.
My decision is to replace the compressor myself with a new Behr unit and a new receiver/dryer and then take it to a different shop to have it pumped down and recharged. The $1300 bid did seem over the top. I really trust the mechanic who always works on my cars but obviously he doesn't do the billing.

mobetta · #9 06-23-2009, 06:43 PM

he may farm out the work, get a bid and add his xx% markup, too...

but you can get a reman r4 for $170 at autozoo, or a new one for less than $300 from various sources. pay a shop $30 the evac the system, swap the compressor, return to same shop and have them put your R-12 back in. do not install the RD until you are ready to pull vacuum.