Air Conditioning

[Harry]

Hello.  I am determined to get my A/C back into operation and I know there is a lot of experience on our forum with option/methods.  The car (1966 230SL) has the original set up with the under dash Kuhlmeister and the big piston compressor.  I've read about changing to the rotary compressor (Sanden) and I'm not opposed to doing that.  I'd just like to get the best cooling that I can get.  (East Tennessee summers are hot and humid.)

At this point, I think I have to go the 134a (versus R12) route.  Does the original compressor work well with the newer refrigerant?  Do you use the same expansion valve?  Is the condenser behind the front bumper still necessary?  If the Sanden is the preferred option, is there a bracket that can be purchased to mount it to the existing mount points?  Is there a specific Sanden that I need to source?

Questions, questions!

Your help is much appreciated,
Harry Bailey

[BHap]

Check with some of the parts vendors. I was able to buy the sanden compressor and bracket as a kit, but that was several years ago. I don't think the stock compressor will accept the 134r refrigerant. The Sanden requires less "effort" to turn so is less of a drag on the engine. All of the other parts are ok, but you will want to flush the system and install a new receiver/drier before adding new oil and charging. Check on which oil to use, there are a couple of types.

[Tyler S]

Buds Benz sells an entire kit minus the dash unit. You will likely need all these parts to retrofit. R-12 is no longer available. The hoses and compressor need to be replaced regardless. The old style compressor doesn't work well with 134a. The pressures are different. He also has an expansion valve and It too should be replaced. Esp if the system has been open without a charge. You will be in there anyway to replace hoses. You can also ditch the bumper mounted condenser. You may want to call. There are 2 kits (a and b) one of them utilizes the existing compressor bracket and allows you to mount the new compressor
https://www.budsbenz.com/catalog/230-250-280-sl/z-air-conditioning

[ja17]

Some prefer to use the sedan type compressor bracket. It mounts on the top with only three bolts. Service becomes much easier, since the large complex W113 bracket is removed. Yes the Sanden is an excellent choice.

[Montreal V8]

Hi Harvey. I did a 134A retrofit on my 280sl. Used a Sanden, sorry don't recall model, and a York to Sanden adaptor bracket, both on Ebay.   It is essential to replace the original condensers with a parallel flow condenser, and a 134A compatible receiver drier. Hope this is some help.     Cheers,   Dale.

[Harry]

Thanks to all.  I'll check with Bud's this morning.  I'll ask about the sedan bracket as well.  I certainly like the sound of that option better.

[Montreal V8]

  Harry, sorry about the name mix up. The older I get, the more my concentration suffers !!   Cheers,   Dale.

[waltklatt]

Harry,

Watch out for the new 280SE sedan bracket.
Those brackets keep the alternator down below while the A/C compressor is on top.
The SL has the reverse.  Alternator is on top and the A/C is on bottom.
So verify that you also get the bracket for the Alternator too.

Walter

[hauser]

My custom A/C from Gernold has the compressor on top while the alternator resides below.  A Buds system was used while keeping the original Frigiking unit.

He's done quite a few of these with excellent results!

[Harry]

So does anyone know the model number of the Sanden compressor and bracket used?  Dale - you said you sourced yours on EBay?  Do you have the details?

[Montreal V8]

 Hi Harry. I've sent you an email.  Chees,  Dale.

[CarlG]

Speaking of extra cooling, my car has an electric fan added in front of the condenser that is set to start when the AC is turned on. It has really helped keep the engine cool in these Houston summers, two weeks ago every day was over 100 and I drove the car to work twice and was able to use the AC the entire trip. I realize many will frown on not keeping it original, but it really is a great improvement that allows me to use the car during the summer.

Carl
1967 230sl

[ja17]

Actually all the cars came with the alternator in the bottom position. The alternator was moved to the top after delivery to the dealer, when the dealers installed AC and the "Monster Bracket".