My Girlfriend's Diet

[BabyBlueBenz]

...and yes, the wife's knows about it. If fact, she's encouraging me to hang out with this 23 year-old German gal named "Panwa".

After some exercise over the past few days, here's some of what came off (first picture, left to right):
- old-school Bosch SR59X starter (a remanufactured unit), recently replaced by new slim-line Bosch unit (also reman'd)
- nasty old inoperative air pump
- the air pump's carrrier bracket
- the air conditioning compressor's enormous cast aluminum bracket
- the a/c compressor (which, despite many posts to the contrary, I was able to extract with the radiator in place)
- and, in the rear, some righteous compressor plumbing

Total weight loss...who knows? I just like to see my girls stripped down to the essentials...easier to clean them up.

The second photo shows the void created by the deleted a/c gear. The third shows the other side where the air pump hung. While the fourth pic is just a general look across the front of the M117 sans belts, fan & fan shroud. They're back on now, and after I get the instrument cluster (with fixed odometer) and front wheels back on tomorrow, we ride.

We're quite embarrased by the filth and surface-rust everywhere! The high humidity and low morning temperatures were reaking havoc on the steel parts a week ago here in north-central Florida. Fortunately, that Canadian Freight Train of a cold front has brought us some welcome dry air...and I've been waitin' for some more cool weather to lays hands on the ol' g-friend.

[jplinville]

Why remove the A/C system?

I have an '87 560sl and the fuel lines run through the A/C system cooling the fuel before it enters the CIS, providing better atomization and high response numbers, as well as better (slightly) MPG.

Is your intention to strip her down and race her?

[BabyBlueBenz]

Originally Posted by jplinville

Why remove the A/C system?

Is your intention to strip her down and race her?

No. I just prefer to remove non-functioning items from my car. Given the cost of repairing what I consider an unnecessary feature, I'd rather spend the money on other parts. And the research and hands-on effort builds familiarity with the car as a whole.

[tonkovich]

Originally Posted by jplinville

Why remove the A/C system?

I have an '87 560sl and the fuel lines run through the A/C system cooling the fuel before it enters the CIS, providing better atomization and high response numbers, as well as better (slightly) MPG.
?

i did not know that. do tell.

[BabyBlueBenz]

Originally Posted by tonkovich

i did not know that. do tell.

The thread Quick AC question has some photos and information about messing with the fuel cooler in SL's.

jplinville, I didn't know that colder fuel increases performance, I figured it as a solution to prevent vapor lock in the oh-so-hot SL engine compartment. The aftermarket even has offerings...http://www.flex-a-lite.com/auto/html/fuel-coolers.html.

I still don't regret removing mine. It was an enormous obstacle in reaching other components...like the spark plugs.

[Chris Bell]

Originally Posted by BabyBlueBenz

No. I just prefer to remove non-functioning items from my car. Given the cost of repairing what I consider an unnecessary feature, I'd rather spend the money on other parts. And the research and hands-on effort builds familiarity with the car as a whole.

You live in central Florida and you think AC is unnecessary????
You sir are made of tougher stuff than I.

[coleyjf]

Hi BabyBlue

I've always wondered (me having a UK SL without AirCon) how effective AC is in an open topped car - surely you're just trying to "cool the world" outside and using loads of fuel doing it!

I agree that in a saloon it's essensial - even in the UK - but a roadster? -Just drive faster and you'll cooooooooolllllllllllll down.

Cheers

Jim

[Mike D]

Ohhh, 'tis a slippery slope you are treading there, my son.

Girlfriends start out "needing" to lose a few pounds. Then it's a bit of "clean-up" and some fresh paint. A little work on their upholstery to get that "comfy" feel back. Then it's some new shoes, a little "bling" to make her feel special, a little "this and that" to make her a little more "racy" and presentable, a new hat because the one she had was "old". Now she won't drink that nasty old "regular" stuff which used to be good enough for her and has to have "premium" fuel. She begins to complain because you don't pay enough attention to her, "You never give me hand rubs anymore", "why are you always going out with that OTHER car?", etc.

Pretty soon some younger guy comes along with more money and takes her away from you and she never looks back, just gives you one last flash of her brake lights and a quick wink of her signal as she leaves your driveway.

You'll see her about town and you'll always wonder, "why, oh why?"

[PanzerSD]

Originally Posted by BabyBlueBenz

... that Canadian Freight Train of a cold front has brought us some welcome dry air...and I've been waitin' for some more cool weather to lays hands on the ol' g-friend.

I'm waiting for that freight train to end, and bring us some warmer weather so I can work on my SEL

[BabyBlueBenz]

In passing review of the service manual page titled "Function Diagram CIS-E Injection System" (07.3-013), I noticed that the fuel cooler acts on the fuel RETURNING to the tank. Hmm.

So it could be debated whether the cooled fuel (eventually) improves combustion performance on a hot day. Or perhaps, the warmed fuel is helping the A/C return line by assisting the vaporization of the refrigerant gas.

For me, the point is moot...mine's been removed.