Aircond compressor replacement

[AAB]

Now that the heat is almost gone in Victoria, I am going to replace my oil leaking compressor.

I have a unit ready to put in, but are there any pitfalls for me doing the installation, apart getting covered in oil & various gook ?

Should the old system have to be purged before I install the comp, or would that be done when I get it recharged ?

Alternatively, who is the W116 aircond guru in Victoria, preferably Melbourne ?

Regards,

Alex

 

[WGB]

There are a number of extra questions and most are around what the gas is in your present system and what you will have in it when finished.

F12 and H134a usually have different lubricant specs and if you will be converting from the now (generally) unavailable F12 I would ask someone clever as it may not be a simple manner of swapping one compressor for another.

Bill

 

[BAR]

As identified previously... has your system already been converted to the environmentally kinder refridgerant?

Before replacing the existing compressor, you should line up an A/c service agent who will refill and test the system once your part is completed.

Also you might just speak with them about extracting all existing refridgerant so as not to contribute to the hole in the ozone layer [if you're that kind of person].

As a quick tip, it may be easier to remove the fluid lines from the unit prior to attempting removal and vice versa when reinstalling the new unit. This will enable you to undo the retaining nuts, bolts etc and have a good tension on the V belt.

Overall, for the small amount saved, I am of the opinion that you should hand the full job over to the specialists as you are only saving about half an hour of labour!

 

[John S]

From memory, when I first bought my 450 the airconditioner required either replacement or seals, and (again from memory) it was the same unit fitted to GM cars at the time, so was relatively cheap. The cost was way less that I expected.

 

[AAB]

I had the system converted to the " good stuff " some years ago, & have had a few recharges since.

It looks as though I need someone who knows what he is doing,..so who is the guru in Melbourne ?

Regards,

Alex

 

[GreaseMonkey]

From memory, when I first bought my 450 the airconditioner required either replacement or seals, and (again from memory) it was the same unit fitted to GM cars at the time, so was relatively cheap. The cost was way less that I expected.

What 450 was that?
What year?
If you have an idea of a good replacement for that big old York type that was on my 280SE and both my 280Es I would like to know.
My 450 SLC though, has a smaller different type, maybe that is what you mean.
Always useful to know what fits.
C.M.

 

[John S]

1976 450sel

 

[GreaseMonkey]

1976 450sel

Ok, so probably the same as on my '76 450 SLC.
I wonder if there is a better replacement for that big York though?
C.M.

 

[WGB]

The 280 uses the "York" compressor and a smaller condensor which does not lend itself to H134A very well.

The V8's use the frigidaire A6 which is widely used in Holden's (and a lot of cars of the period) and brand new ones as well as rebuilts are readily available for quite reasonable prices. They also have a large enough condensor to enable conversion to H134A.

I have a 450 and a 6.9 both of which were professionally converted with new compressors - the 450 has run perfectly for over 3 years and the 6.9 after some teething trouble with a porous manifold pipe has run perfectly for the last 6 months.

Both cars would no boubt be better with F12 (or the potentially dangerous hydrocarbon "Hychill") but they will work perfectly adequately in a Perth Suimmer on 134.

The only confusing part is the receiver/drier which is listed in all parts manuals (Including by M-B themselves) as being mounted on the left side of the radiator for both the 450 and the 6.9 but in reality is on the left for the 450 (and correctly listed) but on the right side on the 6.9. Fortunately the standard USA LHD 450/6.9 is on the right side and my replacement for my 6.9came from the US while my 450 one was sourced locally.

Bill

 

[AAB]

Well, I spent a very pleasant Good Friday & lousy Saturday laying under my baby, & removing 3 of the 6 studs holding the A/C comp in place, took me most of that time. Boy those G & T's sure tasted good !!

I have a fully reco/d unit ready to go in but I would love to have a local Benz A/C guru do it for me.

Once again, any clues out there ?

If I have to do it myself, I will have to get some bench press practice in because the compressor weighs a " ton " !!

Regards,

Alex

 

[abl567]

Hi AAB,

If Eltham is convienent to you give Eltham Star a call, 0488 519 158
Craig will take care of it for you, I have spoken to him today about it to make sure he sends me my cut. Joke!!!!
Be sure to tell him Anthony Long gave you the number.
If he can sort the A/C in a pullman with front and back evaps he can sort a 450

 

[WGB]

If you think the 450 compressor is hard to remove then you'd really love the 6.9

Bill

 

[AAB]

abl,

Thanks for the phone number, & if I cannot get anyone a bit closer, I will give him the job.

Bill,

The 450 was a 6 G & T job each day !!,.. how many G & T's for the 6.9 ?

Regards,

Alex

 

[WGB]

I think it would have been easier drinking the G&T's before starting.

I made the mistake of removing and replacing the compressor before I acquired the 6.9 engine repair manual and removed and replaced the compressor but left the mount in-situ.

The manual says to take out the whole assembly - compressor and mount together - not sure if there is enough room to remove this in one piece as removing the compressor alone was more like obstetrics than mechanics but it sure would have made getting the mounting bolts back in a lot easier.

If you are interested here is my posting at the time - http://www.topklasse.org/forums/showthread.php?t=340&highlight=compressorThe Compressor on a 6.9 is on the opposite side of the engine and mounted upside down as compared to the 450 with the adjuster arm pointing downwards instead of upwards.

I am happy to report that it has given perfect and unfailing service since the repair of the pipe through a hot West Australian summer.

Bill

 

[Styria]

Hi Bill, I decided to re-read the original post going back almost a year or thereabouts. It re-affirms my original observation just how excellent the information contained therein is.

Again, I've got to say just how awkward this job is. Did it again not so long ago and my opinion has not changed. My A/C guy, a very experienced tradesman who is thoroughly familiar with 450s and 6.9s, recalls doing this sort of work about twenty years ago. Apparently, he swore to himself there and then to never get involved again. I think he's stuck to his plea. Regards Styria

 

[AAB]

I have found a local Jaq & Roller repair man who knows a lot about the A6 compressor systems, so he is going to do the job for me.

He is also big in D-jet EFI systems.

Regards,

Alex

 

[AAB]

Just finished the aricond, done by the Jag/Roller man.

Very happy,..the loan car was a 78 Daimler Jag, ( last time I got a 4 cyl Ford !!)..extremely comfy & handled very well, but did not seem to have much grunt.

As I said before, he is a good D-Jet man as well.

Regards,

Alex

 

[WGB]

Sounds good - hope you are happy with the result.

Bill

 

[Styria]

Hi AAB, just in time for summer because that is when, after all, it is most needed. In the end, did you install the unit yourself, or did the Jag-Roller man do the lot for you ?

Referring to your loan car - it is strange that it should have lacked torque, but when you're used to 6.9 liters, something's got to give. Regards Styria

 

[AAB]

Styria,

I have an excellent photo of MrsAAB on the end of the handy billy that I used to install the compressor myself.

How do I post a photo ?

I can put it in photobucket or something similar, but I need to know how to attach.

Regards,

Alex