Aircon Leak - Merc SL350
Discussion
Well, the SL that we bought a month or so ago has a leaking AC pipe. Stupidly when buying the car we didn't test the AC, convertible on a sunny day so didn't think about it. Wasn't until the car was home that I tried it and realised it had no gas. Just assumed a re-gas was needed but upon getting this done, it appears there's a leak.
It's from the pipe shown just to the right of the engine in this photo -
My mechanic used dye in the gas he used and as you can see it looks like Predator was killed under the bonnet.
I've spoken with the garage we bought from and they said they'd look at it and diagnose the issue prior to my mechanic working it out. They've said they'll cover the cost so that's not a problem.
Thing is I'd rather get the issue sorted myself than get them to do it but my mechanic said it's probably going to be a main dealer part (which I assume means pricey). It appears that the bracket that's welded to the pipe has basically worked it's way into making a hole and all the gas just b*ggers off.
So is it worth finding someone who can weld it up? The repair wouldn't have to last another ten years but may be a simpler option? I know I could just drop it back to the garage and get them to sort it but they'll do the cheapest job possible and I'd rather make sure it was done well and be aware of what's being done.
It's from the pipe shown just to the right of the engine in this photo -
My mechanic used dye in the gas he used and as you can see it looks like Predator was killed under the bonnet.
I've spoken with the garage we bought from and they said they'd look at it and diagnose the issue prior to my mechanic working it out. They've said they'll cover the cost so that's not a problem.
Thing is I'd rather get the issue sorted myself than get them to do it but my mechanic said it's probably going to be a main dealer part (which I assume means pricey). It appears that the bracket that's welded to the pipe has basically worked it's way into making a hole and all the gas just b*ggers off.
So is it worth finding someone who can weld it up? The repair wouldn't have to last another ten years but may be a simpler option? I know I could just drop it back to the garage and get them to sort it but they'll do the cheapest job possible and I'd rather make sure it was done well and be aware of what's being done.
If you can get the pipe off without breaking anything else it may be worth contacting someone like Pirtek. Had them make me a power steering hose a few years ago and they reused the end fittings and replaced the buggered bit which was much cheaper than a main dealer part.
No idea if they will do something that'll work as an aircon hose so may be worth asking them before you rip it off!
No idea if they will do something that'll work as an aircon hose so may be worth asking them before you rip it off!
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