What to replace when the 124 dash is out? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 04-13-2014, 10:44 PM

At some time in the future I or my indy will be removing my 300D's dash in order to replace the center vent vacuum pod.

While its out what else should I/he replace?

Short list:
-Center Vent Vacuum Pod
-Recirculator Vacuum Pods
-?

compu_85 · #2 04-13-2014, 10:53 PM

I would remove the entire airbox and replace the foam on the air doors. It's biodegradable and turns to goo / dust over time. Pool table felt works well for a replacement. You will need to discharge the AC, however that will allow you to remove the evaporator and clean it completely.

I'd also put some drops of oil on the HVAC blower and air temp sampler blower.

It would also be a good time to install some extra sound insulation

-J

JamesDean · #3 04-13-2014, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

I would remove the entire airbox and replace the foam on the air doors. It's biodegradable and turns to goo / dust over time. Pool table felt works well for a replacement. You will need to discharge the AC, however that will allow you to remove the evaporator and clean it completely.

I'd also put some drops of oil on the HVAC blower and air temp sampler blower.

It would also be a good time to install some extra sound insulation

-J

Both the HVAC blower and air sampler blower are new. Albeit the main blower needs to be adjusted. I was in a hurry when I installed it and got one of the squirrel cages too far to one side. It rubs at low speeds

I do need to replace the low/high side valves. My low side has a tendency to leak at the valve. Ever so slightly.

About how long would you estimate pulling the dash is?

I do have some sound deadener material left over from a project years ago. I wonder if it would be suitable for this type of thing.

DieselPaul · #4 04-13-2014, 11:27 PM

I did an evaporator in 7 hours, its not nearly as bad as people like to complain that it is.

lorainfurniture · #5 04-13-2014, 11:47 PM

Pulling the dash takes only a few hrs. Pulling the hvac box is harder.

JamesDean · #6 04-14-2014, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

Pulling the dash takes only a few hrs. Pulling the hvac box is harder.

Eugene. I meant email you about this as I know you've done it.

Is is absolutely necessary to remove the hvac box? Moreover, why would I want to if the pod is replacement without removing it (is it?) ?

lorainfurniture · #7 04-14-2014, 10:32 AM

If you are just replacing pods then there is no reason to remove the hvac box. It's more like a "while I'm there" scenario. Personally I'd leave it there as it is a can of worms.

If you are ever not busy on a good weather Sunday, stop by and I'll help you do it. While you are here I'll give you all these dam computer boards I'm tripping over....

JamesDean · #8 04-14-2014, 10:52 AM

You think we could get the dash pulled, pods replaced and everything in an afternoon? I'd fear getting stuck on something or something..

DieselPaul · #9 04-14-2014, 10:57 AM

I think you could if you know what you're doing. Probably 4-5 hours for the project. Does your car have a passenger airbag? My 93 and my friends 94 did and on both cars getting the bolts that hold the airbag back in was a huge PITA. Other than that nothing was too bad.

I only take one A pilar out and rock the dash out, taking both out would probably make it even easier but you risk breaking tabs.

My main suggestion is open the sunroof. The extra light makes a huge difference.

Diesel911 · #10 04-14-2014, 12:02 PM

If you have room and can find a place to tap in and return the Oil adding a Bypass Oil Filter will do more to get rid of large Soot Particles than any EGR delet will.

shertex · #11 04-14-2014, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselPaul

I did an evaporator in 7 hours, its not nearly as bad as people like to complain that it is.

Wow....that's impressive, considering the labor figure quoted is usually in the 15-16 hour range.

engatwork · #12 04-14-2014, 12:36 PM

My suggestion is to "gut" the internals for the automatic center vent control. You can shut it off using the thumbwheel.

DieselPaul · #13 04-14-2014, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

Wow....that's impressive, considering the labor figure quoted is usually in the 15-16 hour range.

That is true of many flat rate figures. My time includes charging the AC system as well. It was not fun, but I hear people on here say it takes them a month of weekends to do the job, and that's a little dramatic. I intentionally timed myself because people are so dramatic about the process.

Having a wide array of tools, and knowledge of these cars probably played an enormous role. However, I don't tell people I did it that fast as a NA-NA look at how good I am, but rather, don't consider a bad evap as something that totals a car. For $300 of parts and two afternoons you can knock it out, it's very doable.

lorainfurniture · #14 04-14-2014, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

You think we could get the dash pulled, pods replaced and everything in an afternoon? I'd fear getting stuck on something or something..

Sure, if you got here before noon. Worst case scenario I own a few extra cars. I did a full dash, evap, pods, in two days. The hvac box disassembly and reassembly is waaay harder than the dash part.

jay_bob · #15 04-14-2014, 04:46 PM

I have pulled and replaced a 1st gen 124 dash in an afternoon.

While you have it out, also renew the light bulbs behind the headlight switch and the vent wheels (yes there are light bulbs in there)

The FSM has the procedure but here it is in a nutshell

- pull the steering wheel (it can be done with it in place but it's sooo much easier with it out of the way) - unplug red connector under passenger carpet and wait 10 minutes before pulling airbag
- using a 4 mm hex loosen the linkage bolt inside the center vent assembly
- remove ACC controller, remove two nuts holding studs that tie the center console to the dash
- remove the center console
- remove lower cover on drivers side
- remove a-pillar covers
- remove bolts under speaker covers
- remove bolts on sides of dash
- lift and separate

When going back in it is somewhat difficult to get the front lip hooked under the windshield and over the defroster pipes. Other than that it goes right back together.