1987 300D

So I spent a couple hours working fixing my aux fan in preparation for (mainly because when I drop relays in the engine compartment, they find a magical black hole to disappear in) pulling vacuum and filling my system. It had cooled ok, and I never even checked pressure because I knew I'd refill it. I have what appears an older r134a system. I've got a Mercedes Rr134a compressor, so I assume it was converted by a Mercedes stealership, due to the age of my car.

So after I got that out of the way, I enthusiastically got out my gauges and vacuum pumps and recovery tank. Went to connect the high side and refrigerant sprayed everywhere. I looked at it, and the high side had a low side valve on it! Super frustrating, as it was too late and auto parts stores were closed.

I'll be honest, I'm a novice with a/c repair, I've never worked on a r12 system. R12 systems use screw on connectors right? Maybe it was a half done conversion.

I guess I'll try to buy another low side connector for my gauges and once I've evacuated I'll put the right valve on it.

I guess I'm just venting because I wanted to get this taken care of tonight.

Thoughts, ideas, stories?

Thanks.

FIRST ----- WEAR GOGGLES......

I do not know what a Rr134a compressor is....please post pictures...

It is not unusual on old cars to have had some person in the past do something like this to the system...

Yes, the R12 fittings screw on.

I notice that you did not mention checking for leaks before filling by using pressure ...any reason for that ?

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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