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A/C compressor, '76 240D [115 chassis]

Submitted by futbolpol on 30 May 2008 - 10:10am.
One thing I've never tried to mess with myself is A/C. The mechanic who recently checked out my non-functional system said the compressor was ruined because a previous owner had converted it from R12 to R134. This didn't surprise me, based on what I've read on these forums, but what did was his categorical remark that replacing it with a used or rebuilt compressor wouldn't do. That struck me as unrealistic and perhaps also just mistaken. Can anyone with experience with used or rebuilt compressors confirm or deny whether these are a viable option on old Mercedes? Are there any details I should pay particular attention to when looking for one? Jason, '76 240D [115 chassis] Tulsa OK
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1976 240D A/C compressor

8 July 2008 - 7:33pm
Jim_280E
Hi, Jason. Our 1977 280E (123 chassis) was successfully converted from R12 to R134 about seven years ago. The work was performed at Fletcher-Jones Mercedes-Benz in Newport Beach, California and included a new A/C compressor, receiver-dryer, suction hose, O-rings and a thorough system flush. I'm not sure, but I think they replaced the expansion valve as well. The A/C has worked fine ever since. While I think a used compressor (your car probably uses the same York-built compressor as my car) is probably a bad idea, I don't see why a properly rebuilt one wouldn't work. That said, this compressor is still being manufactured today for a variety of automotive and non-automotive uses and is readily available at very reasonable prices (typically less than $150). Given the high cost of labour to repair your system, I think it would be penny-wise and pound-foolish to use a potentially dodgy compressor, whether used or rebuilt. Be sure to have someone knowledgeable inspect the compressor clutch when you have the work done. The clutch will have be removed and re-installed to do the compressor swap anyway (new compressors normally don't come with clutches), and it's a lot easier (read 'less expensive') to install a new clutch on the workbench than it is after the compressor is installed in the car. Good luck! Jim N Vancouver, BC 1977 280E