We have recently purchased a 1981 300TD wagon. Today, while repairing another problem, we noticed this cracked hose. Not sure if you can see much in the picture, but it is about a 2in diameter hose leading in to the firewall. There is one on each side, and the one on the driver's side is cracked. I'm guessing this has something to do with heat to the cabin?? Any suggestions? And will good ole' duct tape do the trick??

Thanks!
(Great board, btw!)

PS... Ah nuts, it won't let me post the pic. I'll try and modify it and post it later!

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Natalie

Here's a pic of the hose that's cracked....

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Natalie

I believe thats a cowl drain tube. Does it end in sort of a "duck bill" pointing at the ground? It merely routs rain/wash water that gets into the cowl down to the ground. I have one that is cracked too. No need to panic. I left mine as is but if you feel the urge to replace it or wrap a little black duct tape around it go ahead. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Just visited Midstate Salvage, Urbana, IA last weekent for the passenger side drain tube. The tube on the drivers side was not cracked and was still in place. Exterior was oxidized maroon but all panels were very straight. The interior was pretty bad, however the engine compartment and tranny were complete. He was very helpful. 1984 Mercedes 300 D CD/TD stock#46684 Midstate Salvage USA-IA(Urbana) 1-800-242-0666

-Tom

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'96 C220 138,000mi, '95 E300D 239,000 mi., '87 300TD 214,000mi '88 6.2 Turbo Diesel Chevy Conversion Van 253,000 mi.

I would have to agree with rwthomas1 and go the duct tape route.

Thats how my 300D was bandaid for some time until I located replacement drain. Looks whole now with the OE drain.

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'96 C220 138,000mi, '95 E300D 239,000 mi., '87 300TD 214,000mi '88 6.2 Turbo Diesel Chevy Conversion Van 253,000 mi.

I have one of those. Id have to find it. I took it from my car when I scraped it out. Its called, "let me find it." Drain hose from the cowl. Email if you want one.

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Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.