I have a 1991 300E.

On occasion, when I turn on the climate control - there is the sound of a leaf (OR SOME GHOSTLY THING) making a noise against the fan blades. It sounds exactly like a leaf - and - on occasion - it gets sucked out (or something) and stops. This only happens during the fall when leaves are in abundance.

Is my climate system haunted or is this really a leaf?
If so, how do I get at this leaf?
How do I prevent this from occurring again?

Thanks.

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Esquire:

1991 300E (Autobahn Modified)
1986 Trans Am (Race Modified)

Unfortunately, I can't offer any constructive advise, I can only commiserate. I've had the same problem in my '97 C230 for the past few days and I'm just waiting for that @%$^ leaf to blow out
but it's not. I've actually got the car scheduled for maintenance next week and I'll have the mechanics take a look. In the meantime, if anyone has any 'tricks' that may get the leaf out, I'd
love to hear about it. It could save a few $$.

Thanks

Same problem here! Fall is in the air. I"ll try a plastic hose cobbled to my shop vac., after I remove the "cowcather" fresh air screen by the windshield this weekend. Will report results.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

Way to trouble shoot! Good luck and if it works, you could patent the procedure

Well, after a few days, the dreaded leaf is out! Or it was simply pulverized by the blower. Either way my climate control is quiet again... t'ill next fall anyhow.

Well, what kind of a newbie do I feel like?

Yesterday I was sitting looking at the two induction points (just below the wiper arm) wondering how those great German engineers could have forgotten to have put a leaf grate on this part !! Afterall, it's kind of a big oversight - if it were the case.

Such is NOT the case -- as I was performing my "Benz Weekend" of polishing, checking and tuning when I happened to stumble across a littkle grate that had gotten wedged between two other components in the engine bay. How'd it get there...in the engine bay???

I have tried the tube to the vacuum trick --- it worked fairly well. It's a good trick to try anyway.

Anyway, now I have the cow catcher back in place !

I am making the assumption that this will reduce the number of offending leaves in the system !

...excerpted from the memoirs of a Benz owner. :p

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Esquire:

1991 300E (Autobahn Modified)
1986 Trans Am (Race Modified)

Removed the "cowcatcher" (you guys DO remember the old steam locomotives, right?) and fished a computer vacuum attachment hose down the ports. Nothing great to report; some pine needles and coral tree "fluff". Didn't hurt, didn't help to speak of.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

I recently replaced the climate-control blower in my W124 300D. Once I had the motor and fan out, I found that the coils for the a/c evaporator were more than halfway clogged with a mat of scum and cat hairs ! No wonder the climate control was weak !

I used a toothbrush and vacuum to gently clean it. The fins bruise easily. So be careful.

Too bad they don't make it easier to clean out. The Hayes Manual really helped me to know how to get in there. Thank God it can be done from the engine side of the firewall.

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Michael H
1986 300D W124 5-spd manual 250k miles