W202 A/C Woes

[steverob30]

Greetings all,

Looking 4 a bit of advice. the A/C has packed up on my 1995 C200. Had a nose around MBworld and other associated sites and found out that the compressor clutch is not engaging.

Had a look around MBclubuk and found info about the sight glass to check for refrigerant flow etc. Just had a look under my bonnet and the sight glass is cracked and a nasty bright green fluid has leaked out...

hmmm, I'm kinda thinking that the entire A/C unit has now depressurised as a result and that's why the compressor isnt kicking in????

If the viewing glass has cracked will the refrigerant leak out??

can the viewing glass be replaced or is it terminal!!!

Hope to get a better understanding

Cheers,,

Steve

 

[Stratman]

Welcome to the forums.

Yes, the gas will have leaked out, which is probably why the clutch doesn't engage.

The glass is on the receiver/drier which isn't too expensive to replace. Take it to an A/C specialist or Merc independent garage.

Where are you located?

 

[vijilants]

There is a sensor on the side of the drier that stops the compressor from kicking in if the gas has run out.

The green stuff you are seeing is a dye that has been injected previously into the system. They use this dye to trace leaks.

Have a look around the bottom of the condenser to see if there are any further traces of the green stuff. The bottom of the condenser is also a weak point on the system for leaks. If there are any signs of the stuff on the condenser, replace it......about £100 - £130 for a patent one.

If the condenser is ok, simply buy another drier and replace it. It is a fairly easy job to do.

Then take it down to kwick-fit and get them to recharge the system.

 

[steverob30]

Cheers guys for the advice! Will have a look around the bay for other signs of green stuff and report back...

I'm living in south wales not far from Pontypridd.

Bought my Merc a year ago (1st one) and will never buy anything else!!

 

[steverob30]

Getting there

UPDATE!!

the A/C system completely empty. Disconnected the dryer and retained the pressure switch (why are they so expensive?) and all seals removing the whole dryer unit from the car.

Went to autoairconparts.co.uk and new dryer is £30.95 ex vat. Is this reasonable? i think they retail for about £80??

Should be with me on tuesday with free delivery over £40!!

Then itll be off to halfords for a recharge!!

OOOh cool

 

[aircondoc]

For info, the green stuff is UV dye, shine a UV lamp over the A/C system and all your leaks will shine up. A marvellous leak search tool!!!

 

[Smartchoice]

interesting