New evaporator, new dashpods, condenser, o-rings, txv,compressor, filled with ester and a whopping 3 full cans of r12. (12oz).

I vacuumed and charged with nitrogen 3+ times.


My aux fan is humming, my sight glass is clear, and have a 30 degree temp drop vs. ambient at the vent at idle.

This was my third attempt. finally got it right. My advice to others: If you are not going to do it 100% correct, you are just wasting your money.

It is 95 degrees, and I cant wait to get in my car again.


Thank you all for your valuable help. I would have never been able to do it without the knowledge of this site.

__________________
Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

Get some driving temps!
With my crappy r134a and broken pods letting in ambient air I can pull 40-50F drop while driving depending on ambient. 115F outside I can pull 65 from vents, 90F outside I can get 40F....

....so with that great refresh you've done, you should be able to get really, really cold.

Did you use the 15cc or 17cc compressor?

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

I changed the compressor last year, I'll double check, but I Believe 17.

It was about 95 degrees today with blazing sun, and I was able to reach 38* after driving for about 10 minutes with the blower still on full blast.

I really need to get it on the freeway and drive it for 20 minutes or so to get it to cool down proper. I'm sure at speed, and if I lower blower speed, I'll reach the fabled 34*.

__________________
Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

95 Ambient and 38 vent in ten minutes indicates a properly performing 124 a/c system.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Nice Job! Nothing better than success. That one has a lot of labor

__________________
My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory

Yep, that wasn't a repair, it was a PROJECT! Good work!

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

After driving 30 plus miles, I find myself setting the thermostat dial at about 78*. That causes the heater valve to release, allowing some heat to mix with my a/c. It is COLD.

I am also enjoying properly working cruise control. (thanks James dean)

It's been a good week for the Mercedes.

__________________
Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

You make me really look forward to my plans to refresh. Basically, exactly what you did.
Only change I may do is put the larger condenser in from the later models, BUT I have to deal with making or getting different hoses to reach the different location that is on the larger condenser...makes me consider not bothering.

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

I considered doing the same after reading your dual fan thread. Cleveland is generally milder, so I figured it would be a waste of money and effort.

It is my opinion that the 300e a/c is adequate. We have had temps in the 90's with extreme humidity, and the cabin still cools nicely.

One bit of advice: don't look at your pressures when charging, charge by weight.


I charged 3 12 ounce cans In the system. That puts it slightly under the factory charge. The last can took a long time to go in, I had to get the can very hot, and had to raise the idle to about 2k for quite some time.

__________________
Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

Thanks. I get the opposite here, very dry, but temps ~115 in summer.

It seems everyone says with r134a charge by pressure, but with r12 charge by weight.
Kind of odd

I just do as I am told

__________________
2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

Mine is still in the shop waiting to be re-assembled. I knew that if I tore it down I would be swamped with customers cars and that is exactly what happened which is a good thing.

__________________
Jim

so now you have your good luck charm down to a science, when business is slow - take apart your car.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

Sounds like you've come up with a way to drum up business.

It's sort of like the rain maker I used to have. It was called a Haybine. Every time I would cut hay with it, as soon as it hit the ground the rain would come. I called it the rainmaker.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Where, when, and how much ester does one add?

Thanks.

Determine the amount from the manual. Most are 6 1/2 or 8 oz. I think. If the system has been completely and thoroughly flushed everywhere, pour a few ounces in the evap, a few in the condensor, a dab in the compressor and a few ounces in the receiver.

If it has NOT been flushed, it's a guessing game. There are little disposable gadgets you can get to push onto a port and get an oil sample. You can get an idea with them if it is over or under charged with oil, but it's still a guessing game.

Hope this helps.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution