to air con or not to aircon

[Peter 300TE]

My aircon has stopped blowing cold probably due to lack of use to be honest.

My questions are:

Has anyone had any luck with a halfords type recharger as a neighbour has given me one.

If so my car (1991 300TE 24V) has two bleed type valves. One down by the radiator and one in the upper engine bay at the side of the air filter. which one should it connect to? Anyone aware.

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks

Peter

 

[Blobcat]

The issue with A/C is that the seals dry out if you don't use it. Re-charging can work but you may have to replace the seals as well otherwise the gases quickly exit stage right again.
Find a decent indie A/C expert and have them take a look. After that keep the A/C on all the time. It uses about the same amount of fuel as having the window open.

 

[television]

I will do most things, but not air con. The guy's that do it ,dry the system out before re charging, that's a must. As Blobcat says you should always run air con for 5 mins a week, and that means turning it down below the ambiant air temperture. The cost of having it done is on average £50


Malcolm

 

[Peter 300TE]

thanks

I'm convinved thanks Guys. After posting this I also search ed elsewhere. I have yet to find anyone who recommends DIYing this.

I will find an indie to do this.

Anyone have any recommendations for the Harrow/Rayners Lane area NW London?

Peter

 

[Mike J]

To Air con or not

Hi Peter
The guys I use are in Park Royal which is not a million miles from you!
Known him and used him for 16 years. He is an old school spanner turner
with all the modern equipment (repair if poss change only if required).
The name of the garage is "SPIROS" in Sunbeam Road, Park Royal
Tel 0208 961 5253 Ask to speak to Spiro (the owner). Tell him that Mike Johnston recomended you if you wish (wont get YOU a discount but I might LOL).
All joking aside dam good mech and you wont get ripped off.
Good Luck
Mike J

 

[maldon]

Peter,

I had a man with a van to 'fix' the ac on our old W124.

It did not work out. MB wanted a fortune to repair it and I ended up getting shot of the car (deeply regretted ever since).

On our C class, the ac was feeble - I paid £ 100 in the stealership and we needed jumpers on afterwards, it really was icy cold.

If you can get the stealer to recharge for sim money I reckon on this occasion it is paying that bit extra.

Is just my own view...

 

[polar]

air con

your a/c system runs on cfc refrigerant which is no longer available. you will have to convert to 134a hfc refrigerant . you would have to check for other faults first. such as leaks condenser most likely.

 

[mike65]

I have my eye on a 124 e200 with a/c what should I look/listen (or feel) for if I give the car a spin?

Mike.

 

[Blobcat]

I have my eye on a 124 e200 with a/c what should I look/listen (or feel) for if I give the car a spin?

Mike.

With the AC switched on (which with most MB's there is no dash light on as AC is the default condition) set heater controls to max cool and check that you freeze your face off. If not pop open the bonnet and check that the compressor is running. If possible have an able assistant switch the AC on and off inside the car whilst you watch the compressor start and stop. If all is good you have a car with working AC.