Description
Air conditioning filter dryer – Mercedes W126 C126
Filter dryer for the air conditioning of the Mercedes W126 and C126. The filter dryer removes moisture and captures contaminants from the refrigerant circuit. In doing so, it helps protect the air conditioning compressor and other components of the air conditioning system against malfunctions, corrosion, and damage.
The filter dryer is a maintenance and wear part. The desiccant present has a limited capacity to absorb moisture and loses its effectiveness over time.
We recommend replacing the filter dryer preventively every 8 years, even if the air conditioning is still functioning properly.
Why replace the filter dryer preventively?
Moisture in the air conditioning system can lead to corrosion, ice formation at the expansion valve, and damage to components. In addition, the filter dryer captures dirt particles that enter the refrigerant circuit.
The protective effect diminishes due to aging and saturation of the desiccant. Therefore, we recommend periodically replacing the filter dryer in classic Mercedes models.
When replacing the air conditioning compressor, a new filter dryer must always be installed. This also applies when the air conditioning system is opened for repair, for example when replacing the condenser, evaporator, or air conditioning lines.
In the event of a defective compressor where metal particles have entered the system, the entire refrigerant circuit must also be checked and cleaned according to the prescribed procedure. Replacing only the filter dryer is insufficient in this case.
Suitable for Mercedes models
W126 – S-Class (1979-1991)
• 260 SE – 2.6 liters – 122 kW
• 300 SE – 3.0 liter – 132 kW
• 300 SEL – 3.0 liter – 132 kW
• 420 SE – 4.2 liters – 170 kW
• 420 SEL – 4.2 liters – 170 kW
• 560 SE – 5.5 liters – 220 kW
• 560 SEL – 5.5 liters – 220 kW
C126 – SEC Coupé (1981-1991)
• 420 SEC – 4.2 liters – 160 kW
• 500 SEC – 5.0 liters – 195 kW
• 560 SEC – 5.5 liters – 220 kW
Specifications
Mercedes OEM number: 1268300383 – A1268300383
Part: air conditioning filter dryer
Application: air conditioning refrigerant circuit
Function: absorb moisture and collect contaminants
Preventive replacement recommendation: every 8 years
Installation: replace during repairs where the air conditioning system is opened
Important regarding the replacement of the filter dryer
A new filter dryer must not be exposed to the outside air for an unnecessarily long time.
This is because the desiccant in the filter dryer absorbs not only moisture from the refrigerant circuit, but also moisture from the ambient air.
Therefore, remove the protective sealing caps only immediately before installation. Mount the filter dryer immediately after removing the sealing caps and connect the air conditioning lines as soon as possible.
When a new filter dryer has been left open for an extended period, the desiccant may already become partially saturated with moisture. As a result, its capacity to absorb moisture from the air conditioning system decreases.
Our advice: ensure that all preparations have been completed before opening the new filter dryer. Never leave the connections of the filter dryer and the air conditioning system open unnecessarily.
Pay attention to the amount of compressor oil
A portion of the compressor oil is located in the filter dryer. During replacement, this oil is lost along with the old filter dryer.
As a practical indication, approximately 10% of the total oil quantity is sometimes used. However, this is not a fixed value and may vary per air conditioning system.
It is therefore important to take lost compressor oil into account when replacing it and to top up with the correct quantity and type of oil according to factory specifications.
Too little compressor oil can cause serious damage to the air conditioning compressor. An excessive amount of oil can also adversely affect the operation of the air conditioning system.
Additional information
- The filter dryer is a maintenance and wear part. We recommend preventive replacement every 8 years.
- When replacing the air conditioning compressor, a new filter dryer must always be installed.
- Replace the filter dryer also when the air conditioning system is opened for repair.
- Remove the sealing caps from the new filter dryer only immediately before installation and install it immediately, so that the desiccant absorbs as little moisture from the outside air as possible.
- Do not leave the connections of the filter dryer and the air conditioning system open unnecessarily.
- Check the connections and use the prescribed new seals.
- Take into account the compressor oil that is lost when removing the old filter dryer.
- Use only the prescribed compressor oil and the correct amount for the specific air conditioning system.
- After installation, have the system checked for leaks, vacuumed, and filled with the prescribed refrigerant by a qualified air conditioning specialist.
- Before ordering, check whether the filter dryer is suitable for the design and configuration of the existing air conditioning system.
- The assembly and installation guidelines and factory specifications of Mercedes always take precedence.
Always check before purchase and installation whether the part is suitable and equivalent based on photos, description, and specifications; installed or used parts cannot be returned.
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