Three years ago I bought a 1996 C280 with 220,000 miles and a leaking A/C condenser. I am just now considering repairing the A/C, but I'm concerned that other parts may have failed in the meantime. Therefore I'm thinking of buying the cheapest aftermarket Condenser, installing it myself, and then have somebody check it for leaks. Do I reallly need to replace the drier, and if so, can I wait until I'm sure the system isn't leaking? I know nothing about A/C, and would appreciate advice. Also, it looks like I can get the condenser out without disturbing the radiator - if anybody's done this before and has any hints on the procedure, I am all ears.

Has the system been empty for three years? If so, the receiver drier is no good. Why don't you fill the system (if it will hold refrigerant long enough) and function test it? That way you'll know if the compressor or expansion valve are working. If you've been topping it off periodically and haven't let it run dry you should be able to re-use the drier. Keep in mind that most people would recommend replacing the drier anytime the system is opened up, but if you're looking to save money I don't think re-using it is that bad an idea. Whatever you decide, make sure to add some UV dye to the system after you fix it. That will make finding any future leaks a lot easier.

Yes, it has been empty for three years. So I need the drier. I should have it filled and function tested before I replace any parts, right?

If it were my car I'd charge the system (assuming it's not leaking out as fast as it's going in) and make sure it works properly. Once your satisfied it works, you can spend your money without worrying about unpleasant surprises.

It's interesting how many 96 C-class condensers are failing at the moment. My dealer had 2 in the same day I went to see about my wife's. We traded the car rather than deal with the first of probably many expensive repairs on a high-mileage C280. I guess my 97 C36 is probably good for a year or so.

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'96 C280 (gone)
'97 C36
'05 C230k

I followed Iluvmil's excellent advice, went to the parts store, and for under $50 came home with refrigerant (three cans, one including dye), a hose and guage, and a UV penlight to help me spot the leaks. I located a port near the compressor (no cap on it, though) and followed the instructions to charge the system. Within a few minutes, there was cold air coming through the vents, which tells me the compressor works (right?). I figure that there may be additional leaks because of deterioration of rubber seals, in addition to my original condenser leak, but my evaporator should be ok, since it hasn't been under pressure (right?).

Two problems - I took the hose off of the can with the dye before it was empty - big mistake. There's ugly green dye everywhere, so it won't help me spot leaks. Also, I heard the refrigerant leaking from the charging port - is it possible that it is screwed up from being exposed without a cap, and will need to be replaced, or just cleaned?

On my 1997 C36 AMG, I had some kind of a freak incident two years ago that put a screwdriver-shaped hole through the condenser. The authorized dealer that had been performing all service on my car up until that time could not provide a satisfactory answer as to how this could have happened. The car was still under the Starmark warranty, so I had an independent shop replace the condenser with factory parts at my own expense in order to preserve the warranty. Last Fall, the compressor began making a growling noise that would come and go, but I ignored it.

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Robert Fini

'12 ML350 BlueTec, 100k
'06 E320CDI (x2)
'05 T1N Sprinter 2500/Pleasure-Way Plateau TS, 70k
'97 C36AMG, 319k (son's)
'94 E320T, 249k
'93 190E Sportline LE, 168k (daughter's)
'84 190E-2.3/5spd (Stage Rally Racer)
'66 230 W110 Sedan (Barn Find, Vintage Racer build in progress)

Did this "freak incident" happen while the dealer had the car? If so it may have been an act of vandalism. I've seen things like this happen before. Since there was obvious external damage, what kind of satisfactory answer did you expect? They probably said something like "you must have hit something". What else can they say?

I went to the dealer, and ordered a new port/cap for about $12. I put some more refrigerant in, and the valve wasn't leaking, but I don't trust it. My daughter jumped in the car and told me she'd be back on Saturday, so I won't know till then how long the system can hold its charge.

My plan now is to do the following:

1. Replace port
2. Replace Condenser, putting rubber stoppers or something over the two lines while they are disconnected.
3. Replace Drier, putting stoppers on all lines while they are open.
4. Recharge system, with dye.

Am i missing anything?

The ports can in fact sometimes go bad. I don't know if they can be replaced (unlike schraeder valves which were used with R12 systems); I imagine you might need to get the whole hose replaced if the valve is shot. Often the O-ring in the cap can catch very small leaks.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280