Expansion valve - 89 300SE

[Evan D]

I am having a bugger of a time removing the expansion valve. I loosened the bottom 2 bolts. I just cannot loosed the larger - left side bolt/line on the top, and cannot even see the bolt/line on the right. Is there any magic to this?? Is there a way to get better access? I am pretty good at all this stuff since I replaced the head about a year ago, but I'm about to throw in the towel and admit I have met the enemy. Any help and suggestions would definitely be appreciated.

[Sugar Bear]

https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/160896-expansion-valve-removal-w126.html

[Evan D]

Thank you for the link, however the link posted by R Leo is inactive, and the info posted by RockinWagin sounds downright unbelievable. Not that I don't believe RockinWagin's tale of what he had to go through, but that there isn't an easier way to accomplish the removal. I would hope that Mercedes had a better plan. Any other history or removal's out thered that would help?

[Evan D]

Another question, can the car be operated with the expansion valve connections loose?

[Evan D]

For what it's worth, I finally found a detailed step-by-step outline as to remove/replace the expansion valve. I believe it's the same as the link in some other posts pointing to ;Funny You Asked', but for me the link was inactive. I found this as a PDF via Google. Hope this helps. I tried to attach the PDF - hope it worked.

[Sugar Bear]

Are you doing the evacuate, pressure test and recharge yourself? If not, I can recommend a 3rd generation family owned radiator and AC shop in Trenton that is top shelf.

[Evan D]

Thank you so much. Information like that is good to know it's out there and available. However, I will be doing all. I am changing the compressor and receiving unit too. Then a full evac and recharge. I appreciate the offer very much!!

[Sugar Bear]

Are you familiar with AC evacuating and recharging? What refrigerant will be used?

Also for future needs there is also an awesome starter and alternator rebuilder in Trenton...Dean @ Starter and Generator Exchange on Mulberry St. Dean has fixed classic car exotic stuff that others couldn't or wouldn't and will test it while you watch.

[Sugar Bear]

Are you familiar with AC evacuating and recharging? What refrigerant will be used?

Also for future needs there is also an awesome starter and alternator rebuilder in Trenton...Dean @ Starter and Generator Exchange on Mulberry St. Dean has fixed classic car exotic stuff that others couldn't or wouldn't and will test it while you watch.

[Evan D]

I am familiar with the process. I have the equipment and have done multiple times before. Again though, thank you for sharing the names of good mechanics, since they are hard to find.

[Evan D]

Does Dean work on AC too? I have 73 Caddy that I'm working on too and info like this will be helpful if I get stumped.

[Sugar Bear]

A Z Radiator on Calhoun Street in Trenton does cooling, heating and AC, Gary is the tech and manager..His Dad is there occasionally and is the owner. They are 3rd generation in the business. Been going there for radiators, heater core work starting with Gary's grandfather.

[Evan D]

OK. Great! Good to know.

[Evan D]

I cannot get the 22mm crows wrench adequately around the top left fitting on the expansion valve. All other fitting have been loosened. I see that there is a frame type of piece that cannot be loosened that is around the steering column that will not allow me to get the wrench on it. Any one have an idea or experience in dealing with this fitting? I see someone cut their crows foot to make it fit. Any other methods?

[Sugar Bear]

I'd modify the tool. If it is a really good one buy a cheap one and modify the cheap one.