AC: Coming Alive

[Richard Madison]

AC in the '71 280SL is original dealer installed Frigiking.

Not working for at least three years and maybe more.

The blower works but no cooling, the sight glass is empty. All hoses look OK as does the compressor, etc. No visible problems.

I was told to have someone charge it with R12 and some dye to see if anything leaks...maybe it will just start working.

Is charging a good first step or do I have to change something even before I try the R12 and dye?
Thanks,
Richard M

[ja17]

Hello Richard,
Replacement of the filter/dryer unit on the AC is usually reccomended if the AC system has been opened or discharged for a lengthy period of time. Some shops will vacuum the system to verify a leak and possibly fix it before freon is introduced. Very minor leaks are detectable with red dye or freon leak detectors after the system is charged with freon.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio