How to use the gorilla knob
 

Too tired to type more.
Could one of you fellows give the directions please?






Thank you.

Here is a video partly showing it's operation in an early W123: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Ska3Eq1YU

Turn the keyswitch on, pull the knob to it's first position, wait for the glowplugs to warm, pull the knob to it's second position and wait for the engine to catch (Idle) and release the knob.

A cable goes to the ignition switch so you need to have the gorilla switch all the way in to turn the key off (you don't want to turn off the car's electrical system or lock the steering wheel with the engine running). Another cable goes to the fuel pump shut off (you'll like the cable - newer cars are vacuum). Most of the time the electrical side fails, either the glow plug contact or the starter contact.

Also it should be noted that the additional glow device inside the "salt shaker" on the dashboard is to be watched to determine when it is ok to pull the Knob to start position. At least this is important in warmer temperatures, otherwise it helps to create and have a temperature vs seconds of glow chart available for the next winter!!

Wish they had never gotten rid of the Gorilla Knob, never had an MB diesel so equipped fail to stop when the Knob was pushed in to the stop position.

Uhhhhhhhhh.....

yeah i am with you on that. What the bleep is the gorilla knob?

The "Gorilla Knob" was the control knob for the glow system and the fuel on and off on W115 and older MB diesels. At least both our W115 and W121 had them. They were used in conjunction with an extra glow element mounted on the dash behind a chrome plated cover with holes in it like a "salt shaker" top. The last item in the old system was the twist knob for idle speed adjust also located on the dash below the instrument panel.

These were all originally the old series glow plug systems with the heavy bare wires that ran between each glow plug to provide enough extra resistance that 4 ~2v glow plugs could survive on 12 volts. Of course the glow element behind the salt shaker also provided some voltage drop, so maybe 4.5 glow plugs.

As noted above the "Gorilla Knob" provided a Positive fuel cut-off and there were no concerns about the vacuum status when shutting off the engine. The nick-name for the Knob came about because it took some arm strength to pull against the spring, especially in below freezing temps where it needed to be held for long periods of time.

It's simple: "Pull Start, Push Stop".

No kidding, Randy. That looks like a knob on a tractor. Thanks for the picture. I learn at least one new thing here everyday.

After driving Nell, I'm right at home tractorin' on "Henrietta", my Deere 2040. It has a "Pull to stop" knob.

Now, just put in independent right and left brake pedals and you can turn Nell on a dime. Ever see that Sylvester Stallone movie, Cobra? There's a scene where he is flying down the road in a (1949?) chopped and channeled Mercury and hits the brakes, shifts into reverse and is suddenly doing 60 in reverse, all the while shooting at the bad guys?

Do NOT use starting fluid...
 

"Ether", use and abuse. *Flame suit on*
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/85676-ether-use-abuse-%2Aflame-suit-%2A.html

I want a car with this knob. I don't know why...

That's what's called!

I'll be.

It sure was fun to sit there, my breath freezing on the interior glass, as I watched the little element start to turn cheery red on the dash.

Recycled
 

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