I have a 87, 190 E 2.6, and had the A/C recharged with 2 cans of R-12 today at a cost of $95.00.

Two questions,

1. The mechanic said the suction A/C line was leaking, and pointed out the oily film, and cracked rubber around the braided line. I checked for a replacement hose and was "shocked" at the $400+ for a new hose. Have any of you had this hoses repaired or have any suggestions in dealing with this?

2. Should I change this A/C system over to the R-134?

Thanks in advance for your advise. You all have really been a great help to me.

Ralph C. Todd

Carthage, Texas

1. The tech should NOT have charged this system when he knew the location of the leak and did not fix it. Evidently this was a general repair shop, not an auto a/c repair shop. All the a/c repair shops can replace the hose using your original fittings and do it relatively inexpensively.

2. You are in Texas, don't even think about changing to 134, just find someone who is a real a/c guy with a/c equipment. This should not be a big deal, just find a shop that will recover your R12, rebuild the hose, evacuate and charge.

I wish you were nearer to me. I am North of Paris and in the thinking process of gearing up to open an auto a/c and electric shop.

If you go to Dallas ever, there is a very good, honest and reasonable price shop called McCain's on Floyd Circle near the main TI plant in Richardson.

Good luck,

Larry,

Thanks for your reply. I am going to try and get it to a professional A/C shop.

I'll stay with the R-12.

I did find a place in Longview, Tex that rebuilds A/C lines for Mercedes for $120. It was East Texas Auto Air & Glass. If I use him, I'll post a follow up.

Thanks again.

Ralph

Larrybible can you explain this statement you made aren't all the newer cars using 134?

"You are in Texas, don't even think about changing to 134"

rdanz,

I'll be happy to.

Changing to 134 causes the loss of about 20% of the a/c system efficiency. The MB's of the eighties had very little margin in the refrigeration capacity of the system. In our end of Texas it gets HOT and it gets HUMID. The a/c's in one of these marginal systems MUST be running at maximum efficiency if you wish to drive without sweating, thus 20% loss of efficiency is unacceptable.

This is not to mention that even a properly executed 134 conversion will up the chances of having a/c system problems at a later date.

Now, let me be clear. My statement concerns CONVERTING an original R12 system to R134a. Systems that were ORIGINALLY 134 were DESIGNED for 134. This meant many changes to provide long life as well as adequately sized condensors to make up for the loss of efficiency within a 134 system.

Most systems originally designed for 134 are just fine.

Have a great day,

Larry,

I took my 190 E to a well respected repair shop whom deal the
A/C here in Carthage. They ran a test with a apparatus that could detect Freon (R-12) leaks. One of the very worst leaks occurred near the A/C compressor.

The mechanic is having problems locating a seal that goes under the manifold on the compressor.

In trying to assist him, I have located the following parts, via the internet.

"A/C Manifold Gasket" by AAA:OES

"A/C O-rings"

My question is, I have also seen on several sites a "A/C Manifold Seal Kit" but no one seems to have it in stock. I thought you might be familiar with this A/C Manifold Seal Kit, and wanted to know if you had any idea were we could get one. And what it is.

The car is a 1987 190 E 2.6.

Thanks is advance for your input and "Wisdom"


Ralph

PS

Sites that I have been to are:

http://www.aplusparts.com/

http://www.peachparts.com/catalog/index.php3

************************

I'm not intimately familiar with your particular model compressor, but I would expect that you could find what you need by going to www.aircondition.com. Once there, click on "straight to the board." At the top of that page is a box with four different links. One of them is auto ac parts and they have almost everything.

Typically when the compressor is leaking it is the shaft seal, but if the leak detector showed the leak at the manifold, then the o ring seals can very well be the culprit.

BTW. If you go to an auto a/c shop for this repair. They can recover and recycle any R12 that is still in the system. So unless it is bone dry, don't pay again for the R12 since they will reuse it.

Good luck,

Larry,

Thanks for the information on where to go for parts. I went to www.aircondition.com and that lead me to Automotive Air, Inc. I called and visited with them, and they have the manifold seal kit on the way to me... They seem very helpful and reasonable priced also on their rebuilt compressors should I have to get one.

Thanks again,

Ralph