Careful Using Stringtrimmer Line - Sunroof Drains - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BrierS · #1 08-04-2004, 06:22 PM

This only could have happened to me as I spent some relaxation time working on my loved '87 300TD. Decided to explore more drain tubes and found the two rear sunroof ones. Left one was plugged at the back so I cleaned it. Wanted to check all the way to the sunroof so I grabbed my stringtrimmer line. Unrolled what I needed and started running up the tube. Ran into a couple of blocks but slowly made my way through them. Then I ran into one that just wouldn't let me through. Oh well, moved to the right side. That one went much better. Fed the line and fed it some more. I could hear it dragging around at the open sunroof area so I went to pull it back out. Stuck. Tighter than tight. Tried moving the sunroof first forward then back. Dragging and moving the line with it. Ok. Close it (struggled) and used the tilt up. Left side went up fine right side didn't want to go up. Finally got the roof closed and the line is still in there. Have to rethink my botched attempt and see if a mirror and strong light will let me see where the line is hung up. Oh sh_t.

MTI · #2 08-04-2004, 06:28 PM

On the W201 (190), there are 4 drain lines, one at each corner of the sunroof pan. The front two tubes run down the A pillars and empty into the corners of the engine bay into rubber funnel drains that goes into the fenders. The rear drain tubes exit from the C pillar sail vents. I found that the "fish tape" that I used to use for installing wiring worked pretty well for the 5 or so feet that the tubes run. The tape, available at most home electrical depts., is a bit more stiff than line trimmer cord.

BrierS · #3 08-04-2004, 06:52 PM

MTI,
Thanks for the tip. I can certainly buy a reel of that. I might even be able to use it on the right rear sunroof drain tube if I can ever get the stringtrimmer line free . . .

The front ones were a piece of cake as were the ones within the engine compartment. I can't believe I have that line stuck.

Q · #4 08-04-2004, 07:18 PM

Try chucking the end of it in a variable speed drill and see if it is stiff enough for the entire length of the line to twist. You might get lucky and find that a little rotation is all that is needed to free it. Sounds like it might have gotten snagged against a sharp piece of metal and that metal is biting into it as you pull back on it.

If it rotates the full length, I would feed it in just a little while you very slowly rotate it to get that snagged bit free. That is if my theory is correct.

Can't think of anything else to help.

BrierS · #5 09-01-2004, 08:11 PM

Finally tackled the job to completion (nearly). Pulled the sunroof liner and with the roof tilted up I was able to finally find the end of the line. Jammed tighter than tight. I was able to get on it and move it forward. Once I knew I could do that, I cut the line and pulled it through. Nice way to learn how to remove the liner! Cleaned and lubed everything in sight with MB sunroof grease.