paw777

Hi all, hope you are well.

I had a perfectly working SL350 (2014) recalled for a change in the AC gas and system in Feb 2020. I am not sure why it was recalled, but do know that the system takes the more expensive (R1234YF) gas now.

All was well for a while, but at some point last year (around September / October 2022, I was faced with a blinking light when trying to turn it on - and no AC.

I got it refilled this year (Feb / March 2023), and even though I hardly used the AC, the blinking light was back on.

My local garage doesn’t think it’s the condenser. They can run dye through the system, but that will also need another £150 refill which will probably go to waste again.


Has anyone had a similar situation / have any thoughts? I am tempted to contact MBUK as the AC system was working perfectly for years before they changed it. Knowing the stealers, they probably did mess it up, but are going to be really difficult…

Many thanks in advance!

rmorin49

If it helps here is a source for refrigerant that is not horribly expensive. Hopefully you can get it in the UK.

Bilbo7

"They can run dye through the system, but that will also need another £150 refill which will probably go to waste again."

The huge advantage of Fluorescent Leak Detection is that the Dye can remain in systems indefinitely it does not need to be removed so you can leave in then keep checking unit you find it and that's best done at night or in a blacked-out garage

However, as yo say it will need a degas and refill with the recovered gas to replace the leaking part

The dye is inexpensive https://www.jhmbuttco.com/glo-leak-p...-r134a177.html

That is £22 for 35 goes its just added you don't degas then add it BUT you need the gassing kit to get it in the system or there are kits with gas bottle of dye, goggles UV light pen etc. but not cheap these are kits where can add dye yourself but could get exciting if it leaks the lot out!

ygmn

Well what if any parts did they change during this recall refrigerant swap?

Any hoses or main parts? check those connections first.
Dealer may be the way to go as clearly per your statements they caused issue or extreme bad timing

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

R1234YF is supposed to be more environmentally friendly. However, as of May 2018, Mercedes was not on the list for using it. So it seems now they are. Still, you cannot use R1234YF in a system not specifically designed for it. Did the dealer swap out all of the system components?

paw777

Hi - I’m not sure of exactly what they did to be honest. Do you happen to have any insight as to what bits should be replaced, so that I can double check that against the dealer?

Based upon a quick Google, only the “lines” need to be swapped out - however I don’t know if that’s accurate.

Cheers

ygmn

well if they replaced every line.... then that is a lot of potential places for a leak - end of every line

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Hmmm, that seems wrong, but logic does not always work. The R1234YF is slightly flammable, where the previous R134a is not. I would think the condenser, evaporator, compressor, dryer, and expansion valve would be more susceptible to corrosion than just the lines.

Montreal300

Usually compatibility issues are related to seal and O ring material problems.

sam12

Did you get this resolved? Myself and two others R231 owners on another forum are having the same issue after the recall.

The two pipes they replace are from connecting joint to compressor and from connecting joint to condenser

Thanks,
Sam

paw777

Hi Sam, still facing the same issue I’m afraid.

Have you tried to speak with MB? They didn’t want to know when I tried…

Do you happen to know how accessible those pipes may be?

Cheers

sam12

I have had my condenser replaced, the same part number is used in the 2013 C63 which I have had replaced on that car. When they replaced the condenser in the SL63 they said it had some stains on it which hints at a leak. Its all running cold now, I guess i will let you know in a few months if that has solved it

globalauto

Has anyone tried 134 a on a y1234f system ? I bet it works just fine !