ps2cho

I recharged my 260E and everything was working great for about a week, then the compressor started clicking again....so I obviously got a leak in the system. I saw a few bubbles from the shrader valve where you recharge it, but then it stopped so I was crossing my fingers it would be okay.

I already swapped the shrader valve itself, so it must be that unit in its entirety...Is this something I can buy anywhere local?

Any other ideas to plug it basically? I saw this R134a "recharge valve" that I thought might work as it is supposed to plug onto any R134a system...I figured if I could just screw it on, that would solve the vacuum leak....but I got it home and its too big to fit on. Whats the deal with that too? Aren't all R134a systems the same? I am very new to A/C...so bare with me

Thanks

rivcal4life

Who converted your system to 134?

ps2cho

Looks like the dealership did at some point....There is a sticker, but the writing on is completely faded + unreadable. Definitely MB done though.

rivcal4life

Lucky you. If it was done right, the valves should be the same. BUUTTT, like you, I am just waiting to be corrected here, as I am a bit of a A/C noob myself. The 400e Im about to buy has been converted also. I can't wait to be able to DIY refill mine!

ps2cho

I recommend walmart for the R134a cans. They are like $6 each. For this system, I need 3x 12oz cans. Don't forget you need the special A/C oil if its empty.

edcarls

ps2cho,
To better understand your problem, I'd like to know the following:
1) What did you use to recharge your system?
2) By "shrader valve" do you mean the port where you connected your charging line?
3) What did you swap the "shrader valve" with? and How did you do it?
4) What "r134a recharge valve" are you referring to? The one in the cars refrigerant line or the one connected to the r134a can?

Inlet and outlet ports are suppose to be the same in any vehicle equipped with r134a. They are different in size with Freon12 system, unless the PO charged it with r134a without replacing the port.

Sorry for asking a lot of questions. But, I want to understand your problem so I could give you a correct suggestion/solution.

ps2cho

1. I used R134a cans with a recharge kit...everything was working fine and the A/C was blowing cold after I recharged it, but over time it has leaked out I guess.
2. The little tiny valve that sits inside the charging line. So yes, I am looking to replace the Port seeing as the new shrader valve didn't stop it leaking.
3. Swapped it with the correct OEM shrader valve I got the stealership.
4. I found this valve that you can attach to the recharge line that punctures the can and then you open the valve and it flows through. I figured if I could just attach it and leave it that would seal it....if that makes sense? A cheap and easy fix. Not exactly pretty or perfect, but it should have worked if it had fit.

I appreciate the help!

edcarls

Now I understand your problem. It's the check valve inside the port that is leaking. Yes, your temporary remedy would work if you plug (seal) the end of the charging line that goes to the can and connect it to the port. It's like putting a cap on it. It might help seal it if you put teplon (sp) tape around the neck of the port before installing it. Also, if the one you recently bought won't fit, why not use the one you used when you charged your system?

Just to make things clear, we are talking about the port where you connect your charging line when you re-charged your system, right?

It is the cold line when the ac is on.

w124uk

Does anyone know when Mercedes started fitting R134a systems instead or R12 systems?

YNVDIZW124

Is the 400 you're gonna buy silver?

ps2cho

Exactly. Yes its the port that you charge from. Big black tube.
Well I guess I could use the thing I used to charge from -- but it was a device...so I'd have a long charging end hanging around. I guess it can work for now as long as I tie it up good...Cali is hot as heck right now and it sucks driving around w/o A/C.

So the correct name for that port is the check valve? Is that common to R12 and R134a or are they different?

2PHAST

1992 for all Mercedes models except the W201, which never received R134a at all (even in 1993).

edcarls

The inlet and outlet ports on both R12 and R134a has check valves in them. These valves work like those air valves on tires. R12 and R134a have different size port. Also, note that the inlet and outlet ports are different in size. On an R134a the inlet is smaller than the outlet port. To be clear inlet is the vacuum (cold) side and outlet is the pressure (Hot) side.

Check the one your recently bought, it may be for the outlet port that's why it won't fit on the inlet port.

edcarls

In California the law banning use of R12 refrigerant from vehicle took effect early 1996 (IIRC). So, vehicles after that year came equipped with R134a. Also, restrictions were placed over sales of R12 for use on vehicles that existing vehicle with R12 needing repairs had to be converted to 134a.