Dashectomy has commenced - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

otto huber · #1 08-05-2010, 02:26 AM

I'm replacing the heater core on my 240D this week. This evening I removed the dash, and other than those brutal clips holding the glove box in, it wasn't difficult just time consuming. I almost put the dash back on when I saw how much more work is in front of me

. I'm following Dmorrison's DIY from here on out. I'm concerned about recovering freon from the AC system before I pull the evaporator/heater core unit. I'm pretty sure that the system is empty, but if there is some left, what's the easiest way to recover it?
Also, forum member 1985300D posted last year that he removed the heater core without removing the heater box. I've tried sending him a PM and an email, but no luck. Do any of you know how that may be possible? Thanks

otto huber · #2 08-05-2010, 05:37 PM

I have the heater core/evaporator box out and was hoping to see where the leak was coming from but it wasn't obvious. I might go to a radiator shop and have them pressure test it before I take it out of the the box. Maybe there is a pinhole leak in the tube near the firewall.
I'm pretty sure it's the heater core since the stop leak I added worked for about 30 minutes keeping the temp low and the floor dry. Then when the temp went up, water was under the mat again.

panZZer · #3 08-05-2010, 05:40 PM

Behind all those vaccum pods in the center -there is a square panel in the center that comes out,I think its behind there. Also to pull the blower motor is a few screws at the bottom right -to let it drop out from the bottom.

ImBroke · #4 08-05-2010, 06:52 PM

If water is under your mat, can it be something as simple as your drain hose deteriorated and is leaking? Just fixed mine a month ago.

otto huber · #5 08-05-2010, 08:10 PM

You're talking about the hole above the transmission,right It was dry around there, but I'll make sure that it's tight when I put the heater box back in the car.

ImBroke · #6 08-06-2010, 12:55 PM

Yep, sure do. The foam tube disintegrates over time.

otto huber · #7 08-12-2010, 05:35 PM

I finished the job last night. 8 hours out, 8 hours to get back in. I can honestly say that I enjoyed doing most of the work since it was new to me, but an engine swap on this car is easier. Fortunately a neighbor was walking by and lent a hand when I was putting the dash back on.
My temp gauge is now pegged at 178 so I consider this job a success. I also added some sound insulation in spots I wouldn't have been able to get to without pulling everything out. I used a thin tar paper with foil backing, and I can notice a difference. While waiting for parts, I also replaced the padding in the passenger front seat. Here's a pic of the car after the first 8 hours.

charmalu · #8 08-12-2010, 08:31 PM

Congratulations on a job well done. this is something I need to do before winter.

What insulation did you use/ Dyna-mat? This is definately the time to add more sound deadening materials.

Charlie

otto huber · #9 08-13-2010, 01:20 AM

Charmalu,

I picked up the insulation at Home Depot a few years ago. It isn't Dyna-mat, but similar. Whatever you use, make sure that it isn't more than 1/8" thick or you will have a hard time lining up that condenser drain spout with the hole in the floor and getting the proper clearance for your heater core pipes out through the firewall. The stuff I used was really thin, maybe 1/16". After looking at some Dyna-mat info online, I might get some for the easy to reach spots.