Getting in to A/C, trying to figure out what to buy... - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

funola · #31 07-02-2016, 10:00 PM

I may have the same HF metric set long combo wrenches that you have, largest size is 26 mm which is 1 mm short of 27 mm (which is exact replacement for 1-1/16") that is needed for many of the fittings. I have a set of HF SAE long combo wrenches bought a few years ago with large sizes of 1", 1-1/16, 1-1/8 and 1-1/4". They don't have that set anymore.

I cut the 1-1/16 combo to make 2 wrenches to get in the tight large line at the condenser. The short box end was cut to become a "flare wrench" and has a flat extension handle insert for leverage if needed (came from an old Honda motorcycle tool kit).

These would work but I wasn't about to spend that much and made my own.
15 Piece SAE Service Wrench Set

funola · #32 07-02-2016, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike D

This is a decent starter set.

Bottom-line pricing on FJC KIT6 at ToolTopia.com

It isn't two stage but it does have the additional fitting which allows you to pull vacuum from both ports at the same time. It's not as fast as the true two-stager but it gets the job done.

You will need adapters for the existing R12 fittings.

It has a much higher quality set of gauges with real seals, not the hard plastic pieces of crap HF uses.

If you decide to use the HF manifold, the FIRST thing you need to do is to replace ALL the seals on the manifold.

I thought the seals on the HF manifold hoses are Teflon. They are white and tend to loosen up during use if you did't tighten them enough. I pressure tested mine to make sure there were no leaks before use.

Where do you buy good quality rubber seals to replace the hard white ones on the HF manifold?

arcticathlon · #33 07-03-2016, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillGrissom

The Amazon gage set is a good price. I saw a similar R-12 new set real cheap on ebay recently, several from the same seller (maybe $10).

For the fittings, I used my HF large metric combo wrenches (open-ended side), which are ~17 mm to 26 mm. HF also has a larger metric set, starting at 35 mm, but nothing in the gap. I used large Crescent adj wrenches for the fittings >26 mm.

If you can keep your R4 going, or buy a cheap replacement (I got one ~$30 new), that is easiest. I converted one of my 300D to Sanden, but it actually cools slightly worse, though could be an issue with the climate doors/controls.

I would love to find out where you are getting those prices on the compressor, and gauge set. sellers info?

ROLLGUY · #34 07-03-2016, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

You may have less options than that... as I think I have read that Rollguy is only selling his units locally on Craig's list.. why I do not know..

I don't know where you read that, but I am selling kits here and on CL. In fact, I have been getting a couple inquiries a week just from PP alone, and have sold a couple systems this season already. I desire to continue to offer my expertise in the area of Sanden retrofitting here, and offer kits for sale. I am not going away too soon. Yes I do sell kits locally, and even install them on occasion for local customers (even as far away as Arizona)......Rich

leathermang · #35 07-03-2016, 12:58 AM

Rollguy, I read it here on this forum....

Have you corrected the bracket breaking problem ?

Have you corrected the ' keeping the drive belt tight ' problem ?

Have any other problems cropped up ?

ROLLGUY · #36 07-03-2016, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Rollguy, I read it here on this forum....

Have you corrected the bracket breaking problem ?

Have you corrected the ' keeping the drive belt tight ' problem ?

Have any other problems cropped up ?

I have had very few issues with the latest design (silver painted plates, not black). The added brace that bolts to the oil pan solved the plate breaking issue for the most part. The problem with the belt needing to be tightened several times after installation is because of the belt provided in the kit. I could provide a much better quality belt, but that would increase the cost of the kit accordingly. I think I get a loose belt inquiry about every 4-5 kits sold, and just a tightening of the belt is all it takes. They do eventually settle in. I am not sure that the best quality belt would not act the same, needing a couple tightening sessions before settling in as well.
On the systems I install, I rarely have had any problems. I have no control of how the equipment is installed once it is out of my hands and in the customers.
I can't guarantee the parts will sfay together if I I'd not tighten the bolts myself, and recheck them again later. I can't do anything about that which is beyond my control. However, I have had to fix a couple plates that got past my inspection with inferior welds ( I get in a hurry sometimes). For the most part, all the bugs have been worked out, and the systems are working great. I did have a problem with the Chinese compressors I was selling, so I now only sell genuine NEW Sanden compressors. All things considered, it is a great product, and has saved many people from the R4 tales of woe that are heard often on this forum....Rich

leathermang · #37 07-03-2016, 08:56 AM

Rich, that is great news....
Clean holes , nuts and threads on bolts with Locktite applied should be able to fix that ' retightening ' need....

How much does the kit cost ?

How much more would it cost to include the ' proper quality ' belt ?

ROLLGUY · #38 07-03-2016, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Rich, that is great news....
Clean holes , nuts and threads on bolts with Locktite applied should be able to fix that ' retightening ' need....

How much does the kit cost ?

How much more would it cost to include the ' proper quality ' belt ?

The retightening is usually because the belt is stretching, not because of loose bolts. I went to all metal lock bus instead of nylon. I have had some complaints of it being hard to tighten the nuts, and the bolts being too long. If I used the next size shorter bolt, there is barely enough threads to get the nuts tight. As far as loctite, the only place it may be needed is the three bolts holding the plate to the block. These have a lock washer, so I don't think anything more is necessary. However, the installer is free to employ whatever extra he feels is beneficial.
Anyone is welcome to read the thread on the Sanden retrofit for information and pricing (post 128 has the current prices). Also, you can study the installation guide (download PDF from the link in my signature) to familiarize yourself with the system before purchasing the kit.

leathermang · #39 07-03-2016, 10:56 AM

Rich, Ok, I was just going by you saying '' I can't guarantee the parts will sfay together if I I'd not tighten the bolts myself, and recheck them again later'''

The advantage of locktite is that it does not give up the fight against vibration loosening after the bolt has loosened a couple of threads... which a normal ' lock washer' completely quits after...

Right from the first of your adventure.... I have been impressed by the calm and apparently open attitude about admitting to problems and working to correct the situations... I hope everything gets worked out and lots of people are helped by your kit...

funola · #40 07-03-2016, 11:07 AM

Are the kits still cash only or have you changed to more conventional forms of payment?

funola · #41 07-03-2016, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcticathlon

I meant on sale because of 4th of July sales.

Autozones around here recently (within the last year) started to rent out (free) single stage vacuum pumps. You may want to check your local Autozone for SKU 90059 R-AZ if you do not want to buy one. Make sure there is sufficient vacuum oil in the sight glass.

I currently have 2 of them on rental from 2 different Autozones to do some tests and experiments. They are different pumps with the same SKU. Tag on one says is a 1.5 CFM unit 1/6 HP micron not specified. The other says 3 CFM 1/3 HP 80 micron ultimate vacuum. I do not have a Micron gauge so can't verify what's claimed.