Dash out - Any suggestions?
 

I am changing the interior from Palomino to Black. I have the Dash (and everything else) removed from my 87 300SDL w/252k miles. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should reaplace now while it is easier?

I have already replaced the ignition switch.

Any ideas of how long those pink vacuum actuators for the vents should last?

I saw that someone replaced their A/C expansion valve with some effort. Should I hit that one while I am in here?

Thanks!
http://home.earthlink.net/~karasz/dashout.jpg

Having replaced the heater core on the 190e this past summer, I know how much work you are doing!

---> Replace all the vacuum actuators <--

It would be a shame to have to do all that work again to after discovering one of the vacuum actuators started to leak.

Haasman

There was info on this site that lead you to another site where a guy sold replacement diaphrams for the actuators for around $5-$10 each. I think that would be good insurance since you already have everything out.

Yikes! That looks worse than the 124 when I had the dash out.

Both GSXR and I are thumbs down on the replacement diaphrams for rebuilding the vacuum actuators. Dave doesn't like them because the rebuilt actuator does not have the full range of movement. I don't like them because the pink plastic casing will be brittle and difficult to disassemble and reassemble without cracking. I tried rebuilding the actuators on my 124 and had problems with broken plastic tabs and the actuator bodies coming apart because the brittle plastic wouldn't hold together again.

I recommend replacing all the actuators which require dash removal. Any that can be replaced with lesser effort - such as just pulling the glove box - can be left alone. Most likely all your two-stage actuators have the small lift diaphram failed.

- JimY

How about a new evaporator.

Not much else...everyone else already mentioned specific climate control components that are deeply buried within! Don't know if you have a cabin filter, but go ahead and swap out for a new one.

I would check the soundness of electrical harnesses, relays, and grounding points...those are hard to trace when a problem occurs and you can only look at a portion of the circuitry when everything is assembled. Spray electrical contact cleaner on all fusible links upon reassembly.

Look for any signs of corrosion or fluid leaks, either due to coolant, rainwater, or in the case of electrics, dirt and age.

And stock up on LOTS of beer! ;)

I think it is very irresonsible to encourage people to drink. :D
Unless you're married to MY wife. :D

I would change the heater box elements and at least CLEAN the evap. 126 evaps aren't known to fail very often but they can get very dirty over time and reduce cooling capacity.

Are you sure you really want a black interior? It gets pretty hot in Virginia in the summer.

Oh, clean the dirt and dust out as well.

Replace the blower motor? Where is that sucker anyway?

You don't want the generic replacement diaphrams!

You won't get full-travel on these cars using them. That comes from a friend that used G Murphy's replacement diaphrams in his W124.

Yes, if the vacuum pods are original- I'd replace the ones which you cannot reach with the dash in... at least test them all for leaks. While difficult, I think you can reach most of them.


Michael