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
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'90 300SL 140,000km (87k mi) SOLD
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'07 GL320 CDI 4MATIC 348,000km (215k mi)
'13 GL350 BlueTec 4MATIC 170,000km (105k mi)
'14 SL550 72,000km (43k mi)