I am tearing my hair out. How do you get at the shutoff lever that is in the dash?
The shutoff lever disconnected inside the dash. It looks as though both pieces are threaded and with the use became disconnected. How do I go about reconnecting the pieces? Do you take out the speaker cover and go in that way?
I would greatly appreciate the help on this one.
Thanks
Joseph

The lever assembly is removable by itself. Remove the central heat blower fan dial and then there are two small nuts (7-8mm?) *behind* the dash on each end of the lever faceplate. The levers themselves pull straight out.

It's not uncommon for heat lever nibs that hold the cables to break off on the 280/8. You will need a replacement lever mechanism, then reattach the cable ends. The cables are hooped at their ends and the hoops fit over the nibs.

The same thing happened to me on my '74 280 long time ago. You will have to remove the center console. Labeling the 4 cables is good idea too. I think its a question of lever slides losing their grease and then snapping the nibs.

Sir:
Please excuse me for clarification, they four cables work well its the ac shutoff cable that has been disconnected, am I not comprehending what you are saying to me? Do I still proceed with your directions?

Is this a 114 280? Could you clarify what cable you are talking about? Runs from where to where? An "AC shutoff cable" doesn't sound right.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Chuck, i think he's now talking about the AC vacuum servo switch. I thought it was the master heat levers myself and took a guess it was the HVAC system at all, since there are no other shut-off cables in the dash.

Yes its a 114 280. The cable that lets outside air in and also when closed lets the A/C work. Its a metal threaded rod that runs from the lever to the door flap just inside where the vents are. Hope this helps
Joseph

There should be a captive philips-head nut on the lever that engages the rod and provides adjustment for the fresh air flap. If you can't manoeuver it into place through the vent with long screwdrivers, coathangers etc... then remove the dash grill and speaker.
Reach through the speaker hole and remove enough of the plastic button clips (assuming a previous 'mechanic' hasn't gone in there and lost them all) that secure the rubber air duct to the vent and/or fan box. Then you can pull the rubber duct aside enough to get your hand in there.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

But how does the speaker cover come off?
Joseph

My '72 W114 250 sedan had a vinyl-covered metal grill on the dash. The vinyl was disintegrated so I re-covered it in black burlap. My radio grill is clipped in place with 4 spring-clips and simply pries off. Depending on how strong a grip those clips have, it may be wise to try a thin tool like a putty knife, under your prying tool, to prevent gouging the padded vinyl dash, or you may be able to just pull it off by hand.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Thanks Marks and others, job is complete.
I love you guys.
Pococke