I just got back from a day trip of about 300 miles. About half way through I turned on the A/C and a minute later I could smell burning so I stopped the car to check and yes it was the compressor (I guess, it was smoking). I also noticed there was smoke comming from one of the injectors on the top of the engine (not too much) plus it was somewhat wet around it (the other are dry). I checked everything else and all seemed okay, plus I was still 140 miles from Dallas. Needless to say I made it home and kept a close eye on the oil gauge the whole time. There is quite a bit a noise from the dead compressor (I think that's what the noise is) but besides that the car seems great. Please help me in diagnosis of my young 161,000 300SD.

Thanks,
Dave

P.S Anyone have a used compressor around?

My guess is that the "smoke" from the injector nozzle was vapor from diesel leaking onto a hot engine. Just replace the fuel return lines and that prob. should be solved. The whole set of hoses is about $15 at the dealership. Only use the OEM lines; anything else is a mess waiting to happen.
Smoke from the compressor sounds basically prety bad. A trip to the junkyard might be a good thing.

I agree with mccan about the fuel return lines.

The "burning" compressor could be clutch or compressor, but is probably a seized Harrison R-4. I would consider a quality rebuild (Apco, NOT Four Seasons or Murray) rather than a used compressor.

If it is seized and you plan to DIY get familiar with this board: http://www.aircondition.com/wwwboard/

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)