Hi all..

I have a 560SL that has had "non-working" A/C ever since I bought it last year. My mechanic looked at the system and declared it working fine, but said the charge was very low (but there WAS some kind of charge!)

I added a tiny bit of R12 and heard a hissing from the bottom end of the condenser. I think I have a condenser leak and need to replace it.

Here's my plan:
1. Remove condensor from car (is this tough? I know how to remove the rad, so do I just need to disconnect & plug the A/C lines to get the condensor out??)
2. Plug one line of the condensor and pressurize with air. Find leak to confirm it is in the condensor before I order a replacement!
3. Replace condensor and receiver dryer (my existing receiver-dryer is original to the car and is all rusty.. besides, the system has been open)
4. Take car to mechanic to have a vacuum pulled on system & look for leaks.
5. Charge w/R12

I have been able to run the system for a short time by jumping the low pressure switch, so I know the clutch and compressor and everything works (besides, my mechanic said the same thing).

Does this sound like a plan? I'm an A/C idiot but changed the timing rails on this car and have done a ton of complex work on my 300SDL .. should I be paying someone to do this, or is this something I can handle if I approach it as above??

__________________
'83 300SD 335,000km (207k) mi SOLD
'87 560SL 163,000km (101k mi) SOLD
'86 300SDL 356,000km (220k mi) SOLD
'92 500SEL 250,000km (155k mi) SOLD
'90 300SL 140,000km (87k mi) SOLD
'01 S430 260,000km (161k mi) SOLD
'03 SL500 167,000km (104k mi) SOLD
'07 S550 4MATIC 235,000km (146k mi) SOLD
'07 GL320 CDI 4MATIC 348,000km (215k mi)
'13 GL350 BlueTec 4MATIC 170,000km (105k mi)
'14 SL550 72,000km (43k mi)

Sounds like you are on the right track, I would also flush the system and add the correct amount of oil especially if you don’t know how long it has been setting open. While you are in there you might want to replace some of the other old o-rings (cheap and easy to do now). Also look at the AC fittings and lines and look for old dirty oil gathered on the lines that can also be a sign of an AC leak. Repair or replace as needed and enjoy the cool breeze

Thanks.. will definately flush the system before charging.

Can I continue driving the car with the condensor removed? I assume the radiator is mounted separately and isn't attached to the condensor for support in any way?

What should I use to plug the lines? I was going to buy some M8 and M10 bolts and hope the lines are one of those sizes. Thought I could plug the line by screwing a bolt into each one.. will this work?

Neal

__________________
'83 300SD 335,000km (207k) mi SOLD
'87 560SL 163,000km (101k mi) SOLD
'86 300SDL 356,000km (220k mi) SOLD
'92 500SEL 250,000km (155k mi) SOLD
'90 300SL 140,000km (87k mi) SOLD
'01 S430 260,000km (161k mi) SOLD
'03 SL500 167,000km (104k mi) SOLD
'07 S550 4MATIC 235,000km (146k mi) SOLD
'07 GL320 CDI 4MATIC 348,000km (215k mi)
'13 GL350 BlueTec 4MATIC 170,000km (105k mi)
'14 SL550 72,000km (43k mi)

Bolts may not seal it up as well as you like maybe a rubber plug or we us plastic plugs with tape holding them in place when we are going to have something apart for any length of time. About driving your car should be no problem As long as you can secure you radiator properly.