Friends:
I am replacing the compressor, dryer and both switches, and an expansion valve and converting to 134A on my 1980 240 D.

I have a friend with the necessary tools and expertise, but no specific experience with this car. Would someone please tell me:
1. How much oil--and of which type--I need to add to a new R-4 compressor?
2. Aprox how many lbs. of R-134A should I add to this system.

Any other advice you would care to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I am interested to find out myself...
I am planning to convert to 134a on my 240D this summer. I recently had this done on my 300D, but the mechanic I bought it from did it before he sold it to me.

Thanks,
William

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76 240D - 545K miles
78 300D - 200K+ miles

William,

Just curious, do you find that the R-134a cools you off as well as the R-12? Thanks.

Bill

No, it does not FEEL as cool, but when you put a thermometer in the dash, it still registers below 40F on high. The norm is around 42F on a 95 degree day with Kentucky humitity in the 85%+.

The older R-12 in my 240D now, just barely goes below 50F. But it use to go down to freezing level.

I prefer the R-12, but it is vanishing fast. When you do find someone with some, it is outrageously priced... that's the reason for my desire to change.

William

I think that this system holds about 6oz of oil and 1.8 of 134-a. Good luck. You should consider replacing the condenser as well.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope :)
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

WmHarlow,

I just want to point out that your 240D does not have an R4 compressor like the one for which Benzmac provided the answer. I expect you have a two cylinder york type compressor. You can fashion a dipstick for that compressor and fill it to the right level. Consult most any manual on this compressor type. Make sure you use ester type oil when you change over. Empty as much of the old oil you can, you may have to remove the compressor to do this.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

My 240D came with an R-4 compressor; I'm not exactly sure when the shift from the York occurred. Thanks for all the help.

Dr. K

Larry,
Yes, my 240D does have the YORK compressor.
Thanks for the info...

I do not know when they changed, probably around '77 or '78 because my '78 has the R-4.

William

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76 240D - 545K miles
78 300D - 200K+ miles

WmHarlow,

Maybe the 300D had the R4 earlier than the 240D. My wife had an '80 240D with a york. My daughter's '81 300D has an R4.

I prefer the york for it's simplicity and it's inexpensive rebuild. But the R4 probably takes a little less torque to run, a big advantage with a Benz diesel.

Have a great day,
Larry

An 80 up should have a R4 no matter whether 240 or 300.

No one that I know converts the York 2 cyl compressor. I haven't because they had so many belt problems that the extra head pressure sure won't help. Also none of them will take the pressure and oil if old.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

Steve,

Will a rebuilt york take R134?

Thanks,
Larry

Steve,
When you say 'no one converts the york,' do you mean that no one replaces the york with the R4, or the other way around?

Also curious, will the york handle the 134a? Is this what you mean by conversion?

Also, clarification on the 300D with r4...
checked with my mechanic, he replaced the motor in my '78 with one from an '81(?) 300D before he sold it. This would explain the R4 compressor and the unknown mileage.

William

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76 240D - 545K miles
78 300D - 200K+ miles