4 Seasons Expansion Valve Any Good?

I need to change the expansion valve on my 300E and the Fast Lane has a 4 Seasons brand MUCH cheaper than the other. On the auto a/c sites, there are many jokes made about "Four Siezins" rebuilt compressors. The expansion valves are new. Does anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks for your feed back and have a great day,

[lee polowczuk]

No experience at all with Mercedes, Larry...

....but there isn't much involved with an expansion valve...from my experience they crap out when a compressor goes (throwing shavings through the hoses, blocking it) ... or someone tries to use A/C leak stop.

I have had them fail by leaking at the point where the diaphragm connects to the body of the block. That appears to be where this one is leaking and there is oily residue around it as well.

I also have had them fail open which causes no cooling since there is no orifice device to cause evaporation.

The one that I had to leak at that point before, was a cheap one that I put on a car when I converted to 134. I'm just trying to decide if I want to be a skin flint and buy the cheaper one and take the risk. Who knows, the expensive one might fail before the cheap one.

Anyone else have experience with four seasons brand expansion valves?

Thanks to all,

[jcyuhn]

My goodness! A $177 expansion valve. I knew the dollar was weak, but that's just ridiculous. I don't recall every paying more than $25 for an expansion valve.

The picture of the 4-seizens TXV looks exactly like every other 124 TXV I've ever seen. Don't see any reason not to try it - in the end a TXV isn't rocket science. Back in the dark ages I installed a 4-seasons reman R-4 in my 123 - that was about six Benzs ago. Cost 89 bucks and lasted 8 years. So not everything they make is bad.

Have you checked to see what Mark McCain can do for you?

- JimY

[jbaj007]

Since it's just a Chrysler-style H block TXV, the German version is actually a copy, and for $177 seems high. The guys at AC Source or ACKits are always honest. Might give them a call. FWIW
http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=57397MD

http://www.acsource.com/

I had to go to Richardson today and I followed Jim Yuhns advice. I went by McCains and got an expansion valve for $38 and a filter/drier for $42.

When looking around again for dye leakage, I looked hard at the condensation drains and I just can't tell if there is any trace of dye or not. There is for sure dye at the expansion valve and once I looked around there without the UV lamp and yellow glasses, it looked like it had been oily in that area.

Since it's easy to replace the Expansion Valve, I'm going to replace it, put in a new filter drier, evacuate and charge with a little added oil and another dye charge.

After that time will tell. If I'm lucky it will take alot of time to tell.

Have a great day,

I got the expansion valve in last night. It is a little challenging in the tight quarters, but not too bad. I also got in the filter drier and did a gross leak test. Everything seems tight. I am going to start the pump this morning and charge it about noon.

When I pulled the old one out where I could see it, it was clear that it has been seriously leaking.

Have a great day,

Got 'er done! It's working great. Maybe I can still dodge the evaporator bullet.

I pulled about a 23"Hg vacuum last night and went out this morning it was still holding exactly the same vacuum. I pumped it the rest of the way down and charged. Everything is now working well.

This old car is starting to look a little ragged, but behind the wheel it drives as good or better than it ever has, but in Texas without a/c it might as well not be running.

Have a great day,

[lizem100]

Your car is a Spring Chicken!
It is lucky you fix it. When are we having another dinner and car show?

[suginami]

Originally Posted by lizem100

Your car is a Spring Chicken!
It is lucky you fix it. When are we having another dinner and car show?

Well, I'll be back in late June again....

Great to hear from both of you. I'm looking forward to late June.

Have a great day,

[suginami]

Sorry, just looked at my calender. It is early June.

We can meet Thursday or Friday, June 9 or 10.

I know it is early to plan, but at this point, mark it on your calender.

[jcyuhn]

Glad to hear it worked out for you Larry.

Early June works for me. I'll put it on my calendar.

- JimY

Calendar marked. The Friday would work much better for me, but I'll be there come #&!! or high water.

Have a great day,

[suginami]

O.K., we're down for Friday.