W123 Issues - Heat / AC, Seats, etc.

[Squabble]

hey all, i just picked up another W123, this time a coupe, 1978, silver green metallic, excellent condition, arizona car, cream interior, burl trim. it is, however, a california version, and i'm not telling if it's a gasser or a diesel.... the knowledge and friendliness resides in the diesel discussion group, i've tried going elsewhere, it's just not worth it. either way...

this ones got the early vertical auto climate control (ACCII). the spinner on the left then push buttons going down in a straight line, then an on/off switch for the A/C compressor. i just had it converted and it blows ice cold...until you accelerate or just go up a hill at regular speed. it also seems to blow really cold in the center vents and sorta warm on the outside edge vents when driving. is this a common issue? is this something to live with with an early A/C system? if you accelerate to get on the highway it blasts heat like a furnace. before someone says "evil servo," the p.o. bought an aftermarket fix for that 'ol badboy: http://unwiredtools.com/accii.asp. i've watched it in operation, seems to be working great, no issues there. is there a monovalve somewhere on this car? is it aux fan related? vacuum flaps? i don't know...

and this might be related too...there is a whining sound coming from the dash when the car is started and at idle. it kind of goes away when i accelerate but it might just be the engine sounds drowning it out. my feeling is that it is ACC related somehow (though it's apparent when it's on or off) or it might be a loud engine fan. anyone have a similar issue that they found a solution for? it's driving me crazy.

i tore apart the drivers side seat after buying some pads and some pool noodles to do the seat rebuild job, and then realized the coupe seat is very different from the sedan. does anyone have any rebuild tips for these guys? it's pretty saggy. the "springs" aren't broken, just worn. can sedan seats be installed? i realize the coupe seats sit lower but i'm a pretty short guy. i also don't mind "dialing" down the seat backs to get in the back seat, i really don't have much occasion to use the back seat besides a drum set and some dogs. any tips? it also has a saggy arm rest that appears to be missing the black plastic disc on the side, visible from the pass. seat. can i just get a new one of these, install it, and my armrest will be fixed?

if anyone is familiar with the gas engines on these guys i would really appreciate the help. i tried posting in the vintage mercedes forum and didn't get much of a response. i even tried benzworld and didn't get much help there either. i'm new to DIY wrenching, i learned everything i know on a diesel and from this forum, i new i'm trying to learn something new. PM and maybe we can talk or i'll post a new thread with the couple little issues i have.

diesel, diesel, diesel!!!

[DeliveryValve]

Not as familiar to the ACCII as with the newer systems, but this Chrysler Auto-Temp II reference book may help somewhat since it's their system that Mercedes uses.

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Master/281/cover.htm



As far as seats are concerned, sedan seats should bolt in. If you were thinking of rebuilding your seats, your best bet is get another coupe springs (used passenger side are most likely best shape and they are interchangeable) If you can't find any, you might want to try w126 SEC seat bottoms. I think w126 SEC seat bottoms "might" fit.



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