W126 Expansion Valve

[hbofinger]

Hi all,

I did the expansion valve on our 1989 560SEL. This is far less intimidating than one might think - the worst part is just figuring out how to get to it.

I did a pictoral which can be found here. Should save time for anyone planning to do this.

Please make sure you have the right wrench sizes for your year and model - the CD said I needed a 24mm crowsfoot, which was simply not the case. I don't know if it has to do with the model year.

After filling up the system (not described here) and fixing other leaks caused by, ahem, "inexact" workmanship by myself, the system has held pressure wonderfully over a week now.

Many thanks to CTaylor of this board for his help, especially for magically producing perfectly fitting "O" rings out of his garage after we found a compressor flange leak while attempting to fill the system!