Update. I just removed the line going to/ from condenser, could blow through it with a bit of restriction but fine. (as the passages in the condenser are small), removed the High press. line from condenser to R/D, it was fine. Removed the R/D with no lines attached and human air pressure COULD NOT blow through R/D. I assume that is my culprit/ problem. Please pass judgment if you would on my diagnosis.

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

What happens if you put a hundred PSI on the inlet of the receiver?

I will try it. Give me 30 mins. Should agood R/D not allow human air press. to blow through it?

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

I don't know if it should, but I do know that there's a whole lot of pressure there during normal operation.

Let me add that you really shouldn't try blowing through the new one (but I'm sure you figured that out).

Good question - I have no idea. But I would think at least SOME air should be able to pass through there, even at low pressure.

__________________
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

Also see this. I don't know if it means anything here.

Attached Files

AF83.40-P-6002DA.pdf (6.4 KB, 97 views)

I tried putting 120psi to it. Very little out the output. I am pretty sure these are fairly free flowing devices. I will order one. I will report back in a week or so when it arrives.

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

Make sure not to perform the same test on the new one - only uncap it and install it quickly once you are ready to do so. The key is to keep atmospheric air out of there as much as possible, to avoid oversaturation of the dessicant pellets. You should start pulling a vacuum within minutes of installing it and buttoning everything up. Pull a vac for about an hour minimum just to be safe.

__________________
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

I bet that's your problem.

For what it's worth, I think mine is failing in exactly the same way. I haven't driven the car enough this year to care enough, but I should fix it soon.

Matt, if so remember the symptom I have Very high condenser press, very low R/D press based on diag display. Also, very hot condenser to the touch, R/D was hot touching bottom, not even warm touching the top. Thanks again for all the help. I sure learned a lot. I will report the results I assume mid to late next week when it arrives and I get it installed.

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

Good news guys. They $30 R/D came yesterday. I installed it, pulled a vaccum on the system for 1 hour, then shot 3 cans of R134 in and we seem good. Fans ran, presureses good, etc. It is a tad warmer on the driver's side yet but nothing like the discreptancy I had previous. I get 40 degree air from the pass. side, 45 from driver's side sitting and idling in my shop so I can only assume better on the road. It is unseasonable cool right now in Nebraska as today's high is to be 82. (Normal for this time of year is 95 and humid.) I will wait for it to warm back up before adding any more and see what I get. If anything I can add a bit more. Thanks again guys for all your expertise and thought from different angles on this one.

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

PS, I could not resist. I blew through the new R/D when I got it. It was like blowing through a paper towl tube. Zero resistance. Old one was plugged for sure. Over & out.

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

Cool, thanks for the update. Now we know. The small amount of blowing was probably undone anyway when you pulled your vacuum.

__________________
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

I always make a point to post the results and final fix on my threads. I notice when I search on topics folks often ask for help, describe issues, gather info from others, then leave the post hang as they drive off in the sunset with the issue behind them. Does not help close the deal for others later who search for same topics and read the thread...

O&O

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

I agree, and like to do the same on my posts as well. Otherwise, what's the point?

__________________
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