[R129 SL] R129LIST Digest, Vol 72, Issue 2

[Matthias Fouquet-Lapar]

My 1992 500 SL is R134a original MB. I have changed my W126 from R12 to R134a, cost around 60 Euros. I did everthing myself and the system has been working flawless without a single recharge for 7 years now. I have not changed o-rings etc, just the receiver/dryer which you should evertime the circuit is open.

I had a leak in my SL and also was quoted something like 4000 Euros to change two hoses and the compressor. As I had a vacuum pump I bought the rest of the equipmmt, maybe 250 Euros total. The probem was a leaking o-ring at the back of the compressor, a 1 Euro fix.

You can get hoses fixed in hydraulic shops or simply get a new hose at the dealership.

These model years have the nasty habit of a leaking evaporator, and this is a major job as it requires to take half of car apart (the dash has to come out)

In general A/C repairs are no dark magic once you understand the underlying principales. My varoius cars will never, ever see a repair shop based on my experience

To confirm a leak you should inject a UV dye and onfirm the leak

Kind regards from France

//matthias