Instructions on how to replace the EZL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

86560SEL · #1 01-11-2014, 02:42 PM

I have a replacement EZL for my W140. It was used and I didn't know at first that I had to apply new thermal paste. My question is, do I have to remove ALL of the old paste from the old EZL and car body before putting on new and reinstalling the part on the car? I seen some thermal paste remover at radio shack, but wanted to be sure first before I spent the $ on it. I was wondering if I could scrape it off the best I could and re-apply.

Any info appreciated!

97 SL320 · #2 01-11-2014, 08:07 PM

The thermal paste is a type of grease, no need to remove the old stuff if it is still soft.

When adding new stuff, don't put it on too thick,a thin swipe is enough. Rub the EZL against the mount to distribute then pull it off if you want to check distribution. Be sure to tighten the mounting screws evenly to let the grease squish out, if one is run to full torque then the other is tightened, it can stress the EZL.

86560SEL · #3 01-11-2014, 08:18 PM

Thanks!

No, the old paste on both my car and the old EZL is like a brick. My car was made in September of 1992 and the old used EZL was probably as old - I guess that is how old that paste is. lol.

I got a reply from someone on another forum that said to clean it with water and a little detergent, but not sure if it will bring it all off. I am not a DIY'er at all... hopefully I won't ruin it.

Thanks again!

97 SL320 · #4 01-12-2014, 09:02 AM

I'd just scrape off what you can and add fresh. I've never tried it but, water might not clean it off. I base this not only on automotive experience but, electronic experience as well.

86560SEL · #5 01-12-2014, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

I'd just scrape off what you can and add fresh. I've never tried it but, water might not clean it off. I base this not only on automotive experience but, electronic experience as well.

Thanks!

I was able to remove the old from the used EZL. The water didn't phase it, but I was able to actually use the cap from the bottle of water I had to scrape it off. lol. The car body itself had none on it. The old EZL appeared to have a thin layer of clear plastic on the outside of the compound. I just removed that and put an entire small tube of the compound on it ("zig-zagged" it back and forth) and put it on the car. It was kinda thick and I could not get it to spread evenly. Hopefully it will be ok.

Thanks!

MAVA · #6 01-13-2014, 01:04 AM

Mr SEL...

I used to sell the thermal compound by the gallon in my sand-box days..It was used for the mating of power transistors to large blocks of aluminum which is common in high powered power supplies, and 3kWatt and larger audio amplifiers

The best thermal compound will NEVER DRY UP......The Chinese stuff is junk and watery...Do not buy it...The Stuff you can buy in the USA by GC electronics, AVVID, MG Chemicals, etc... is excellent stuff. It never comes in a syringe!! It always comes in a tube!! The paste will settle, so do not use the clear liquid.

Now, the purpose of this thermal compound is to promote thermal conductivity of two microscopic un even surfaces. Too much compound defeats the thermal conductivity of the EZL to the body of the car, little, or no compound also defeats the thermal conductivity, and ultimately reducing long life of the EZL.

Always scrap the old dried stuff with plastic spatula, and wipe COMPLETELY clean with denatured Alcohol from the home center, or any evaporating solvent like electrical contact cleaner. The surfaces must be silky smooth with no dirt bumps, and lightly sand any burrs..

The Application of the grease should be with a glove in a swirling motion, and the coat of grease should be semi-transparent where you can barley barley see the surface. The grease needs to be even, and the swirling motion with a index finger or thumb will achieve this... Apply the grease on both mating surfaces. It is WORSE to put too much then little...

Their is a ebay seller that sells the American made grease that is the best. Just buy three or so 1oz tubes...

New Aavid Thermalcote 249 Thermal Joint Compound CPU Heat Sink Paste 28g 1oz | eBay

This applies to the cars with voltage regulators for climate fans..

I hope this answers the mystery thermal compound!!

Martin

86560SEL · #7 01-13-2014, 09:08 PM

Thanks. Well I used what I bought at Radio Shack and it wasn't cheap... well to me it wasn't... it was $9 for a little tube.

I put the entire thing... zig-zagged all over it. It wasn't enough to cause it to ooze out from under the unit. I tried to get it to spread, but it seemed too thick.

I am not a diy'er and I shouldn't have even attempted this, I always mess something up... kinda like my stripped out screws on my rotor button.

I think it is time to get rid of this car and enjoy my new Honda.

Thanks!

MAVA · #8 01-13-2014, 10:42 PM

At the "Ma and Pa" electronic stores, you can get the same tube for about two bucks at full list!!!! The radio shack thermal compound in the old days was great quality. I do not know now, but the stuff is not smear-able..That's why one swirls it around with glove protected index finger or thumb...

Martin