A/C Repair & Parts Questions

[DOCJBK]

According to the MB dealer service department I need an a/c compressor and condensor, what do you all thnk about salvage parts for the a/c system? I've found the parts online for far less than rebuilt and I was wondring about the reliability factor. Anyone have any experience with such matters?

[lee polowczuk]

Originally Posted by DOCJBK

According to the MB dealer service department I need an a/c compressor and condensor, what do you all thnk about salvage parts for the a/c system? I've found the parts online for far less than rebuilt and I was wondring about the reliability factor. Anyone have any experience with such matters?

Don't.

[Rusty Cullens]

You will also need a new drier. Any time you open the system it has to be replaced. Stay far away from used a/c parts.

[djblu]

So if the compressor dies or stops working and you need to replace it u need to replace the dryer. Sorry I am new at all of this.

[jjewell]

Definitely replace the drier. Stay away from used compressors, condensors. Your usually buying someone elses problems.

[djblu]

how about a recon unit?

[jjewell]

Reconditioned compressor okay. Make sure the oil is compatable with the type of freon you will use.

[aam]

Originally Posted by jjewell

Reconditioned compressor okay. Make sure the oil is compatable with the type of freon you will use.

I second that.

[Lord Hemming]

If you are going to keep the car I would buy the parts from a non franchised parts company (who sometimes sell the real deal) and buy yourself another few years of trouble free A/C. The problem with used parts is the labour cost/ effort is the same for a short-term fix.

I would bite the bullet and solve the problem with parts with a reasonable warrenty

[jjewell]

Originally Posted by Lord Hemming

If you are going to keep the car I would buy the parts from a non franchised parts company (who sometimes sell the real deal) and buy yourself another few years of trouble free A/C. The problem with used parts is the labour cost/ effort is the same for a short-term fix.

I would bite the bullet and solve the problem with parts with a reasonable warrenty

Yes.... the warranty... Interesting point. When I bought my Recon'd compressor it came with a checksheet listing all the items that must be replaced WITH the compressor to make the warranty valid. You are asked to attach proof of purchase for drier, exp. valve, ENTIRE high side line with muffler and suction accumulator if equipped.
I was lucky in that I knew how my compressor failed AND I stayed with R12. The "dead" system still had refrigerant pressure in it. Didn't chg exp. valve or high side muffler line. Weighed in factory charge of R12 after evacuation (system was tight; 200 microns after 50 minutes!!) system runs like a champ!!

[djblu]

Ok so another question. Seeing its getting CLOSE to non AC time in my neck of the woods. Is this a repair that can wait til spring? Or will i be causing harm somewhere? BTW I will go with Genuine Merc Parts. Its not a HONDA!

[jjewell]

Originally Posted by djblu

Ok so another question. Seeing its getting CLOSE to non AC time in my neck of the woods. Is this a repair that can wait til spring? Or will i be causing harm somewhere? BTW I will go with Genuine Merc Parts. Its not a HONDA!

If the compressor engages & runs but just doesn't perform disconned the electrical plug at your compressor clutch & your safe to wait. You dont want the compressor to come on which could cause a "catastrophic" compressor failure. Very messy to the insides of your system & takes ALOT to clean up inside. Running without a compressor will not harm anything. Indian summer might cause you to stick to your seat though. Oh yeah, your right its not a Honda & you'll be FULLY convinced of that with the compressor cost!!

[aam]

Originally Posted by jjewell

If the compressor engages & runs but just doesn't perform disconned the electrical plug at your compressor clutch & your safe to wait. You dont want the compressor to come on which could cause a "catastrophic" compressor failure. Very messy to the insides of your system & takes ALOT to clean up inside. Running without a compressor will not harm anything. Indian summer might cause you to stick to your seat though. Oh yeah, your right its not a Honda & you'll be FULLY convinced of that with the compressor cost!!

Lets not make it to difficult.
Sixty percent of the A/C problems is low refrigerant.
The system will leak.
It is not hermetically sealed, like our refrigerators.
If compressor engages.
If you have gauges, put them on the lines to check pressures on low
and hi side.
If low side is under 5 psi you need refrigerant.
If hi side is restricted, the overpressure switch will disconnect the
compressor as long and is not broken.

[aam]

Originally Posted by djblu

So if the compressor dies or stops working and you need to replace it u need to replace the dryer. Sorry I am new at all of this.

No, if compressor stops.
Yes, if dead, or system has been opened.

[jjewell]

Originally Posted by aam

Lets not make it to difficult.
Sixty percent of the A/C problems is low refrigerant.
The system will leak.
It is not hermetically sealed, like our refrigerators.
If compressor engages.
If you have gauges, put them on the lines to check pressures on low
and hi side.
If low side is under 5 psi you need refrigerant.
If hi side is restricted, the overpressure switch will disconnect the
compressor as long and is not broken.

Nothing difficult about it. The compressor is to be replaced. Just not now. Disconnect it electrically so as not to cause further damage until owner can replace it at his convenience. sheesh.