62 190 SL clutch removal

Am pursuing clutch replacement on this 190SL. Initial inspection looks like pulling the motor is the way to go. There doesn't seem to be enough room to shift the tranny back for removal with the driveline encapsolated in the chassis the way it is. Can you offer the correct procedure in very basic terms for clutch removal??

Thanks

[Mark DiSilvestro]

The first clutch replacement I ever did, many years ago, was on a friends 190SL. I did it (and later,the clutch on my 1961 180b) without removing the engine. There's enough room if you unbolt the driveshaft center bearing from the floor of the tunnel and move it up and back. It should telescope some for extra clearance. Completely removing the rubber driveshaft flex joint also adds extra room. Hope this helps.

Happy Motoring, Mark DiSilvestro

Thank you, Mark. I finished the job yesterday and yes, you are correct. Removing the donut from the tail helps a bunch. It's just amazing how there is not a mm or so more room that necessary to do the work.

I pulled the tranny because after looking at the driveline again, it was apparent that it had to be removable without taking out the diff. or trans. Germans wouldn't design you into a corner. When working on German maschines, use logic. They did.

[Jim Villers]

Not a problem pullling it out the bottom. Robby and I pulled his transmissioon and replaced his clutch in a Great Bend KS Holliday Inn parking lot last week.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Jim,
It's not a job I would relish doing in a parking lot. I hope the weather and Holiday Inn management were cooperative.

Happy Motoring, Mark DiSilvestro

[bstreep]

Jim (and Robby),

I think these folks need to hear the story... I think it would be good for your mental recovery as well! Here's a hint: Mark, the temp in Kansas was like 109...

[Mark DiSilvestro]

That first 190SL clutch I did, many years ago, was in the rain. I think I prefer that to 109 degrees. OUCH!

Happy Motoring, Mark

[Douglas Broome]

I need a new clutch on my 1959 ponton 220S. Is the advice about pulling the transmission on the 1962SL essentially the same for my car? Can it be done in the garage with the car on ramps and jack stands? Are the parts the same? I mean the disk, pressure plate, release bearing, and pilot bearing. What is the best source for the best price on these parts? Any special tools required? When the SL transmission was removed in the parking lot, what was used as a transmisson jack to lift and lower the transmission? Any advice as to special "tricks" will be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Jim Villers]

I am not sure of the interchangeability of the 190SL parts with the 220. My guess that the 220 clutch would be interchangeable with the 190SL.

As for tricks to remove the transmission, just wiggle and pull. We used a small floor jack to help support the transmission when pulling it out. We stuffed it back with the "chest method". Support it on your chest so you can lift and wiggle at the same time. It is not as daunting task as it may seem. The transmission, while heavy, is reasonably manageable.

As for parts sources, check the Parts Shop, Fast Lane or the sponsor's page on the 190SL Group web site.

Good luck.

[Douglas Broome]

I got the transnmission out without difficulty. The pressure plate, however, seems to be stuck to the flywheel, or something like that. When I slowly undo the bolts around the perimeter, the pressure plate does not back out with them. This is what it is supposed to do, but mine does not.

Has anyone experienced this? I am assuming that rust and corrosion have it stuck there, altghough inspection does not reveal any particular concentration of corrosion or rust. What was done to get the pressure plate to back out? Note I have one of those "deep dish" types of flywheels and flat pressure plates as found on fintails.

I plan to wire brush all around the perimeter, apply some penetrant, and tap it all over with a hammer. If that does not work, what to do?

Thanks.

[Jim Villers]

The clutch friction surface can "bond" to the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces. That happened to me with my MGB. I used a wood chisel to wedge apart the two surfaces. After a few sharp blows, it popped apart. I do not believe that this is too unusual of cars that have sat in a moist environment for several years.

Douglas, come visit us on the 190SL Group board

[Douglas Broome]

Jim, the flywheel is the "deep dish" type. The pressure plate snugs into it. There is no place for one to insert a wedge.

Before I started this clutch job, the clutch operated smoothly i n and out of gears. Good synchros and gears. It was not stuck. My problem was this it was slipping seriously under load, so it needed changing.


Thanks for the invite to the 190 SL group. Is there something about ponton-era clutches that I should see there?

[Jim Villers]

Douglas .... There is not anything specific on the 190SL Group site about clutches (yet) but there is a vBulletin board just like this one but only for 190SL's with some very knowledgeable people posting every day. The Tech Info page has hundreds of photos and details to browse. The Pictures and Stories section has a thousand or so pictures from club events.

It is the best place for a 190SL guy. Mercedesshop is the best place information and people knowledgeable on my 2.3-16 and my E320. I go to where the expertise is.

On your clutch problem, remove the bolts and pry it apart. If you can't pry, use a puller. Maybe I don't understand your problem, if the clutch slipped; it is not corroded to the flywheel. If you are removed all of the retaining bolts, the spring pressure on the clutch should lift the plat out of the grove that it sits in.

I just noticed that you live in McLean VA. We had a Gathering In Warrenton VA last April and our Williamsburg Convention will be this fall.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Douglas,
Perhaps your clutch disc is so badly worn and slipping that there's no movement left in the pressure plate to 'push' it out. Also most clutch pressure-plates are centered onto the flywheel with some fairly tight fitting dowel pins. Maybe yours is stuck on the pins.

Happy Motoring, Mark