1978 300D AC belts missing

Test drove the subject vehicle today. Looking into the engine compartment, noticed the AC belt or belts were missing. Owner says, previous owner removed them during the winter and never replaced them.

In my quest to own an 300D, just about every 300D/240D I have checked into - the AC is inoperative. Why is this just about always the case? Why are the belts missing... Is this an expensive repair or just a recharge?

Thanks again.

Forums

Diesel Engine Specific Aid

Chassis Model Number

W123

Very Expensive to fix

It can cost $1000 and up to get an old A/C working properly on a system that has been sitting idle for a long period of time. It is never just a charge, and if the system has never been converted to R134 you will be looking at additional costs. A number of expensive parts will need to be replaced starting first with the compressor. Most owners decide that is just too expensive to repair the system and opt to just cut the belt off.

Just did 300SD AC work

I just finished replacing the AC compressor, expansion valve, and dryer on my 83 300SD. It took 3 attempts to get a good compressor 2 rebuilt 1 new (do not buy rebuilt is my suggestion). This all cost me just under $1K and my system was working when I bought the car. My AC belt was old and broke before I got it replaced and it sheared off the compressor's pigtail...so a $3 belt cost me a lot of coin.

84 300D A/C now working for me

I agree that the A/C work can be expensive, but I have done most of the work on mine and said a ton of money.
I had to replace the most expensive hose on mine (high pressure hose) and also replaced the receiver/dryer.
I have a new expansion valve but have not installed it yet. That may wait until next summer.
Expect to spend $50 in refrigerant (R134a) for one charge. If it leaks, then double that obviously. The compressor (on mine) is a pretty common one, so replacing that is not too big of a deal most of the time.
Personally, I would recommend an investment in a set of hoses with gauges (for checking hi and low side pressures) and a vacuum pump for cleaning the system out before charging it.

1982 300D replacement LOE

I am looking at $138 for compressor, $30 for dryer, $22 for expansion valve;

I am having the hoses made at a local shop to spec $50+$50

R134, charge at $25, oil, $9

new belts from Kent

I can rent the AC vacuum and the gauges = $20 for the day

Labor - me

hmmmm, maybe, mabe not

Compressor

My only caution is on the compressor (rebuilt or new) for that price. I went through two rebuilt R4 compressors and was finally told that they are not the greatest out there and go new. I was able to find a new one from an A/C shop here for $200 and unlike the rebuilds it is working as advertised. Just wanted to throw that out there.