99% of the time...those readings are due to a bad compressor,
the other 1% are from a bad expansion valve.

__________________
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Retired Moderator

Thanks DOC for the reply. I figured it was the compressor but I'm not too disappointed because I'm one step closer to solving the problem. I've found a new Denso replacement for ~$300 which sounds very reasonable and the drier and expansion valve are cheap.

I see some other "OE" compressors out there that looked tempting until I found out they're from China.

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-Paul-
'01 E430, Sport 72,000 mi
'98 C280, 126,500 mi

AC is back on! Installed a new Nipondenso compressor, receiver/drier and expansion valve, changed the V belt, flushed the evaporator, condenser and all the hoses, added PAG 46 DEC oil to meticulous specs, pulled a vacuum for a few hours (very hot and humid in Houston) and 3 cans of 134a later the system is blowing icicles.

With 95F ambient here I'm getting 37F from the evap temp sensor! (seen it dip to 35 a few times while highway driving)

What a relief....

__________________
-Paul-
'01 E430, Sport 72,000 mi
'98 C280, 126,500 mi