W126 chassis climate control condensate drain hose LEAK
 

Does anyone know what this hose is for? It's made out of some sort of foam with a spring inside to maintain it's shape. It's in an 82 300SD.

There is a similar foam hose in the 123's that connects to the temp sensor in the center of the dash, but it is behind the glove box.

What does your come from and go to?

I'm guessing here, but that looks like a drain tube for the evaporator.

I think you're right. I just got in there with a drop light to see where it went to. It's connected to the evap case & exits through the trans tunnel. Never would have thought they'd use a foam hose for a condensate line...but then again it is a Mercedes! This does not appear to be a very durable material. Anyone else with a 126 might want to check theirs as it will allow water to run down the tunnel & under the carpets. You can see evidence of water in the pic I've attached.

Recycled
 

For new members.

FYI; on the W126 chassis there are two condensate drain hoses.

This is a common failure - leak...

They are biodegradable foam with a stiffening spring inside.

Do not bother trying to get the MB part, all modern rubber hoses have better quality and durability.

I tweaked the attached picture with a large red arrow pointing out the bad hose.


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Same issue with the W124s.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...E/DSC00593.jpg

I replaced with .75" inner diameter reinforced tubing from the hardware store. I heated the end with a heat gun (blow dryer should work) to get it to fit over the evaporator box nipple.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...E/DSC00594.jpg

Looks like you have to take the whole dog house out just to get to them. Should I assume that since I have a bare spring hanging down under the car by the transmission that I have the original drains? Seems like a foolish, failure prone design to me. I'm sure it will be fun pulling the dog house off. At least mine aren't leaking...yet.

All that is necessary is to first remove the knee panel and then the console kick panel.

I'm not sure why they are made of foam. Maybe it provides a little bit of sound/heat insulation. Hey, it lasted nearly 25 years.

Oh, OK. I didn't realize the panels on the side came off. I thought you had to remove the whole center console unit all the way back to the rear passenger vent. I'll take another look. I already have the driver and passenger lick panels off, so I might as well nip it in the butt and replace the drains.

Edit: Pffft. Yeah, F that for $70! I'll just find some vinyl hose or something and call it a day.