w140 close assist actuator replacement...

[locry]

Will electric door lock actuators be able to handle door close assist functions in place of the vacuum servos? Will they have enough "push/pull"?

[Gilly]

I didn't even know you could convert them to electric...........

[locry]

There aren't any direct bolt-on replacements... but there are available electric door lock actuators. I can replace the vac door locks without any issues, i think even the retracting trunk handle can be rigged to an electric actuator. What I'm not sure about is the close assist. I don't know how much force needs to be applied to the mechanism to pull the doors in. I have already fiddled with the trunk door latch, only a little force is needed to actuate the retracting latch... i'm pretty sure the electric actuators will work.

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[MBeige]

On a w140, I wouldn't attempt that route. Look for members parting a w140 out, surely there has to be some good ones out there.

Those lock actuators are designed to turn a mechanism, which are pretty light, to lock the doors. They are not designed to push or pull a heavy door shut. Then again, I have not seen how the close assist really works. If the mechanism provides good leverage, I guess it's worth a shot.

[oldsinner111]

my w140 I have no problem.If door times out do to something in door.Pull close asisst fuse to reset door

[locry]

yeah i could probably find a working pump or module... but what I'm really trying to do is to simplify (ie: get rid of all the electronics) the w140. I've posted a few threads regarding my "quest"... hehe. The car is pretty much trashed... it was submerged TWICE. I already have a replacement engine waiting to be mounted... converting it to a diesel.
So it's basically a ground up "rebuild".
The windows and power seats are gonna be made to work with bosch SPDT relays. I'm still gonna be using the original switches that came with the car. So i'm in the middle of tracing all the wiring.
I have removed and disassembled the trunk lock and all the mechanisms. The mechanical aspect of the trunk retracting handle and close assist is pretty straightforward. The trigger/logic system can be made to work using micro switches (which still work despite being submerged TWICE) and SPDTs IMHO. So if it's successful it'll be an alternative to all the complex circuitry modules.
I think the main issue here is if the electric actuators are strong enough to pull the doors in... I'll be trying it out to answer my own question as soon as I get the set which i'll be using for the door locks.

[Gilly]

IIRC some of the later 140s didn't even have the door assist, so why not just disconnect/disable the whole system? i know the trunk latch works just fine without it, I think there was even a way to turn off the system even in the early ones! This would be what I would do if you want to simplify the system and get rid of electronics. I would think individual actuators would make the system MORE complex not less.

[MEPEH]

To answer your question - NO
They won't be strong enough.

Just disable it if you want it simple

[locry]

In its current state... yeah it's pretty much disabled. I agree, that's the simplest route. But IF one were to somehow revive it... the electric actuators won't be enough? I get the feeling you're correct. So scratch the close assist......... for now )

[MAVA]

I assume your vacuum motors are shot?

Let me twist this thread a bit, I just "Fixed" mine on the drivers side. The tabs are weak and break-off. I had done this five or so years ago on my first W140, and now my second W140 had the same issue just a month a go. It works.My first fix is still working.

I fixed them with cable ties:

I used three 1/8" wide 12" long ties.

Wrap one tie around the whole vacuum top portion above the round seam that goes all around the upper portion. In a giant circumference.

one tie can grab one side of the upper and lower portion vacuum motor.

lastly, you will slip a tie underneath the tie going around the upper portion, and now you'll be able to grab the portion of the vacuum motor on the bottom portion responsible for vacuum control.

That is it?



Martin

[MEPEH]

His plan is to create the W140 Amphibian Tank. The uber reliable Mercedes that will survive the 3rd flood
So scratch the proper fixes.

What he would love to hear is someone say that you can connect a line to the steering pump from the close assist and have a hydraulic activated close assist and central locking

I'm watching his car, curious what the end result will be. So Good Luck - Patience and WIS

[MAVA]

Yea But solenoids are the last on my list for door lock in a flood.

It is just easy to get in the back seat and cut the vacuum line; Then blow on the line to pop the door lock open...

We as humans can blow air from a few spot on our body, or create vacuum, but electricity will take a lot women....in a flood

Martin

[locry]

Hehehehe... yep... the third flood is what I'm watching out for. No really, there's a big possibility of flooding every 2 years. It used to be 14 yrs... well... climate change and all that jazz.

I tried blowing on the lines... quite painful. hahaha

Don't get me started on the steering pump... While we're at it... the steering is equipped with a speed sensing solenoid thingy... what is its neutral state? Full assist? Or stiff?

OT update on the car. Engine and tranny are out. Purchasing tranny rebuild parts. Replacement diesel engine purchased, just waiting for the oil pan to arrive.

It's not an Amphibian Tank... they float. This is a sub.

I opted for electric door lock actuators because they cost about 10USD each, pretty cheap. Easy to install and wire to a wireless alarm module. Annoying "thud" though, non of the "grace" of vac locks. Well... I do need to lock the car now and then. haha

[MEPEH]

I have a set of those actuators if you need them, just cover the shipping.
I think i have 4 in a box. Made in China. Planned to install on wife's car... and you know the rest

[locry]

Ey thanks for the offer! I already have a set over here, just have to pick them up. Thanks though!