My condenser is leaking and searching for a new one brings up 81-85 model 300SD. In late '84 MB made improvements to the AC condenser, doubling it's tube count and efficiency. The earlier (pre 85) condensers will not work well with R134.
Has anyone ordered an AC condenser lately? What was the tube count?
I fear they will ship me an early model condenser.

There's an '85 w123 car at my local PAP. Would the condenser be a bigger/beter than my '78? Should I grab it?

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

The w123 never had a condenser efficient enough for r134. Best stick with R12.

Plus, Any junk yard AC part has likely suffered 'black death'. Sometimes you'll never get the thing clean enough.

The EPC seems to indicate that it was straight up superseded. So presumably any new condenser you buy would be the latest...

__________________
Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

The new condenser is a great upgrade along with the larger fan. I got my setup from PNP. Works even better with R12.

__________________
1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

Best is a new parallel-flow condenser, since they typically give ~30% more cooling. You can find posts here w/ photos and somebody sells a hose kit that makes conversion simple (ebay?). These are almost mandatory w/ R-134A and certainly help if R-12. Next time the 84 is home, I'll compare its condenser with my 85.

I will be fixing the AC in both 300D's. I wouldn't dream of using R-134A. It is inefficient, corrosive (PAG oil absorbs water, plus R-134A may degrade), and soon to be outlawed (new is maybe R-1234yc). Indeed, I just replaced the compressor in my 2002 Chrysler, so flushed everything (new filter & exp. valves), and refilled w/ mineral oil and Duracool (HC mixture). Works even better than R-12 and have used for years in my 60's cars. But read up because many fear it and shops conspire against it.

Here is a good source for a/c bits:

http://www.ackits.com/


I have ES-12A which is somewhat similar to the Duracool type stuff. It works very well in my 190E. The only thing it does not do well is at idle. Either the compressor is not going fast enough or there not enough air movement. But at speed..I was able to get mid-upper 30's at the vent.

The PO of my 300D converted it to R134a..it works OK. I checked my vent temps and they are within the range specified by the Mercedes FSM.

The 420SEL runs on R12.. It does very well with the small exception of a small leak.. I had to add a can this year.

The green 300SD runs on ES-12A...very poorly at idle. OK at speed.

__________________
Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

The condenser from an 85 W126 should be a drop-in replacement. The hose locations are the same. Models after 86 may be slightly different and definitely so for any dual fan W126.

__________________
1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

Dan,

Let me know if you need any help or tools. I live pretty close if you are in North Dallas.

__________________
1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

None of the aftermarket suppliers of this part provide the later version as far as I can determine. Per MB the part number is 126 830 27 70.
Also, it is no longer available from MB.

I have no desire to retrofit an odd PF condenser in this car. I may attempt to silver solder this one and reuse it.

BTW, I am pretty familiar with W126 AC and have no problems achieving 36f vent temps in our Texas climate using R134 in the stock '85 W126 SD.

If needed I have a PF sub cool add on condenser kit that fits the W126. Very simple install and uses factory hose fittings. I have posted info about it here in the past. This is a must for the earlier type condenser.

My quest is to find a new '85 SD condenser. So far I have been unable to do so.

Thanks! I believe we PM'd re AC in the past.

Likewise... I have many factory MB tools and rebuild/balance injectors.

I still have a few old diesels in the fleet and still prefer them to the three I own that rely on MB Star diagnostics.

If worst comes to worst, I have my 83 condenser sitting in my garage. It's yours if you decide you need it.

__________________
1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge