AC condensor/oil cooler on 230 sl

[230slhouston]

 :?: Can you gurus help me with tech advice or pictures?

I bought a 1966 230sl, standing in a warehouse for 20 years in excellent condition.

The previous owner removed the grill, and AC cooler. All the items are in the trunk and I want to assemble the unit to test before repairing. Problem is there are two coolers, one flat larger surface area, I can identify where it goes. The second is what I thought was the oil cooler but cannot find any oil pipes to the engine or where this is mounted, longitudinal or vertically. Not sure if this is an additional AC cooler or not. It is long and more sqaurish cross section wise.

Any pictures of the front assembly or tech specs will help.

I have enclosed a picture of the two condensors/oil cooler.

Thank you
MBP


Download Attachment: ac condensor.jpg
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[George Des]

MBP,

The long thin one is the pre-cooler for the A/C system. It mounts behind and under the front bumper. Evidently in cars equipped with the stock condensor, York compressor and runing R-12 this addtional pre-cooler is needed to supplement the larger condensor. I'm running R-134A with a Sanden 508 and a parallel flow aftermarket condensor and my system does not need this pre-cooler in order to provide adequate cool air. Hope this helps.

George Des

[230slhouston]

George Des
Thank you for this info. It helps me tremendously. Once I start assembly again, I am sure I will need more help.

MBP
 

[Raymond]

There are companies that make aftermarket replacement condensors that bolt right in.  There are cross-flows and there are tubed replacements with more, thinner tubes.  Either do a much better job of heat exchange than the originals.  The important thing is that the volume of the condensor matches the volume of the expansion/exchanger under the dash.  The pump is looking for balanced volumes to operate properly.  

And, do yourself a favor.  Get rid of the York compressor and get a Sanden 508.  The rotary compressor is smaller, quieter, vibrates a hell of a lot less, and doesn't drag down as much horsepower.  I used a tube condensor, kept the under bumper unit, and have R-12 in a Sanden.  I'm getting 38 degrees F out the vents.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe