AC compressor dripping green slime

[Bogeyman]

Doing some spring cleaning. Looking down in front of engine, I noticed the sway bar covered in green slimy substance, also on bottom shield underneath.
Removed under shield and saw day-glo green substance dripping from AC compressor.
My guess is PO had dye injected in AC coolant to detect leak.
So, I guess I need a new compressor?
Denso OK?
Any comments?
Thanks.

 

[maw1124]

My '92 needed this a few months back when it was discovered. The green stuff was in fact dye. I'm not sure what kind of part it was replaced with, but I think the OE part was Denso. I'm away from my files at the moment but will PM you with what I have in terms of part number, manufacturer, price, etc. over the weekend.

Cheers,

maw

 

[M104-AMG]

Yes, Denso. Sometimes Factory rebuilts can be had at a competitive price. Call Tom Hanson @ the Classic Center, he'll match parts.com or beat them!

neil

 

[gsxr]

I think samiam (?) sourced brand new Densos (from Amazon?) at surprisingly low prices. I'd check that route before going with rebuilts. IIRC, the new Denso was cheaper than the MB rebuild.

 

[Bogeyman]

Ok, checked with Amazon and the Denso model they say fits is 471-1227 for $199.26
Can I remove the old one and install this one? Should it be a direct fit?
Obviously I don't have the equipment to recharge it, but I have a source for that.

 

[emerydc8]

I did this a few years ago. The Denso worked out well. As you can see from the picture on the top right, it has a flat plate with a Schrader valve that will have to come off and you will swap the faceplate (holding in bottom pic) over from your old compressor.

You will have to remove the front sway bar, which is easy if there is no weight on the wheels. You might want to consider ordering that S-shaped hose for the power steering system as it is 100% easier to change this hose out with the compressor removed. I wish I had done this.

I think the Denso comes with compressor oil in it, but you might want to confirm.

 

[gerryvz]

Yes, the compressor will come with oil for a R-134a based system installed, which is correct for the E500E.

I installed a new Denso compressor in my 560SEC about 1.5 years ago (while converting it back to R-12) and the old oil had to be removed and replaced with the proper oil for that application.

A Denso unit is the most cost-effective way to go, and the quality is just fine. Much better option than going with MB compressor.

Cheers,
Gerry