Need to change A/C Condenser 1998 E300TD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cyman73 · #1 01-07-2012, 05:13 PM

Hello,

I have recently moved to Arizona and I need to get my A/C working again. The A/C blows cold air when charged with Freon, however, within a few months all of the Freon leaks out.

I would like to fix properly and I believe that the A/C Condenser, in front of the radiator, should be changed. My friend used Freon sniffer and injected dye, however, he was not able to find the leak. So I am willing to spend a couple hundred bucks to change the condenser and see if the problem is fixed. If it turns out to be the dashboard condenser, I will most likely sell her because I don't want to spend that kind of money on her.

Having said all of this, I would like to know if anyone can give me some advice for this job. What should I be prepared for? I am especially stressed because I am living in an apartment right now and don't have my own garage to work in. I will be driving up to my friend's house, approximately 80 miles away, to work on my car.

Any suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

sixto · #2 01-07-2012, 05:25 PM

I think you should pay a professional to find the leak before you throw parts at the problem. FWIW, the R134a charge in your car isn't Freon.

Sixto
87 300D

cyman73 · #3 01-07-2012, 05:32 PM

Thanks sixto, yes definitely R134 not Freon.

I remember reading that the condensers are a frequent source of leaks. I guess, I can remove the condenser in front of the radiator and search for dye on the side facing the radiator with UV light.

sixto · #4 01-07-2012, 05:59 PM

Did you try the sniffer around the compressor?

If you're going to discharge the system anyway, you should be able to pressure test the condenser without removing it. Cap one fitting, put a pressure gauge and pressure source at the other fitting, pressurize, wait and see.

Sixto
87 300D

cyman73 · #5 01-07-2012, 08:52 PM

We tried it all around even inside the car, with no luck. We also injected dye and also could not find any sign of it.

sixto · #6 01-07-2012, 09:21 PM

How about the evaporator drains under the car?

Sixto
87 300D

cyman73 · #7 01-07-2012, 11:52 PM

I don't believe we looked there. Where are the evaporator drains? If it turns out to be the evaporator, I definitely don't want to spend the money ~2000 to fix it.

KarTek · #8 01-08-2012, 07:51 PM

It's the evaporator, known problem. I have to go through the exercise of replacing it at some point myself.