560 SEL newbie with questions!
 

Hey everyone; I just purchased a 1990 560 SEL to replace a totaled 85 300D (R.I.P!!) This is a great car! I have a few questions, though about some things that I hoped someone might be able to help with:

1. The AC and heat work fine, but I notice that, while the temperature of the air coming from the main vents on the dash is consistent with that indicated on the "wheel switch," the air from the rear vent on the back of the center console blows cool (i.e. not warm when heating, and not cold when using AC). Any thoughts as to what's wrong?

2. There are two vacuum lines coming out of the center area of the engine (i.e. from under the air filter housing area) side by side which terminate on what looks like some sort of check valve that I found resting on the frame between the ABS housing and the hydraulic fluid chamber (i.e. right above the driver's side wheel well. I need to post a pic, I know, and will do so, but perhaps someone out there knows off-hand what this is, what it's for and where it "plugs" in to....

3. I understand this car has one or two amps, which may be located under the rear seat. This car has the reclining rear seat; is there a sticky on how to remove this rascal? I need to install an after-market head unit, and would like to tie in to the amp(s), but certainly don't want to screw up the rear seat operation. Any advice is greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance; I look forward to getting this car back to some form of its former glory with the help of the Forum!

Welcome to the forum!

The seat is not bad to remove. There are two bolts that hold the front of the bottom cushion in place. Remove those, remove the bottom cushion. The bolts are right behind where you legs would be positioned if you were seated.

After that, there are three bolts that hold the back in place. I forget where but look around you'll see em. From there, there are two amps, one on each side. Just cut the wire to the speaker, splice in and there ya go! I did the same thing on my 420SEL.

Thanks JamesDean, both for the welcome and the how-to. I'm looking forward to being able weigh in some things after I've completed some projects. I got pretty adept at working on the 85 diesel, but this '90 gasser is a new animal for me. Again, thanks.

I was always told that vent was fresh air only. So you're only going to be bringing in outside air. There are floor vents beneath the front seats that supply heat to the rear of the cabin.

There are SO many emission vacuum lines on the 560 it is not even funny. I cannot begin to guess without a picture.

There is EGR, vapor canister, AIR injection, load to EZL, HVAC, etc. List is nuts. You would not believe how clutter free this motor is without all of that nonsense.

thanks guys. So just to make sure I understand; will the rear vent (on back of console) blow heated and cooled air?

As for the vacuum lines, I'll take a pic and post later today.

Again, I really appreciate the input!

I have never had heat come from that rear vent in the center console.

Welcome SteveH
 

Welcome Steve,

Where do you live?

I have a 1986 560SEL. it is my daily driver. It is a great car.
There are lots of great guides to install aftermarket head units here.

RC

+1 "I have never had heat come from that rear vent in the center console."

Thanks for the greetings Ritchie. I live in South Carolina. I'll definitely search for info on the stereo install. Are the original speakers good? Pretty sure I have originals.

I think they sound good enough for me. Be sure to take HitmanX's advice on running larger power wires to the head unit. I use a relay for the switched power. i use the small gauge factory wire to activate the relay. I did not remove the amps in the back. I just tapped into the fader wires. See my post in the audio section. I suppose the signal just passes though them as they are not powered anymore.

So here are a couple pics of the vacuum hoses and valve I mentioned previously. The lines appear to be a std. gauge hose that's black with a white liine, and a smaller gauge hose that's clear/white with what appears to be a purple line, as well as a thin black line as well.

In the first pic, I just pulled the valve up off the floor of the engine bay to get a clear shot of it; the second pic shows it "plugged in" to a white plastic thing with a black "line" coming out of it on the front fender, which the valve seemed to naturally gravitate to. Seemed odd to me, though; what on earth would MB have installed in the small space between outer and inner fender that would receive vac lines?

Anyway, apologize for longish post, and appreciate in advance any knowledge!

No amps to deal with in your car. :)



That stuff is for the charcoal/vapor canister in the driver wheel well.

Have you pulled the air filter assembly yet? If not, take it off and see how many vacuum lines lie in that abyss. You can eliminate so much of that it is not even funny.

I am down to EZL load, brake booster, transmission, and HVAC. Basically the only things you need. I TIG welded up the AIR injection port on the upper plenum and the EGR on the lower. If you need pics let me know.

What the heck is the charcoal/vapor canister for? And is it correctly attached as shown in the second pic?

Please do post some pics of what you're talking about as far as vacuum; I'd love to make things simpler!

Thanks,

the charcoal canister is part of the fuel tank ventilation system. It is for absorbing the odor of gas fumes.
I smell a slight gasoline odor sometimes from the canister after driving for about an hour. I need to replace it or just eliminate it and put on a vented gas cap. ???