108 Heater Control knob replcement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mamali · #1 07-16-2006, 09:46 AM

Are there any stronger ones than original that anyone has used? Where can one get a set? Thanks

300SDog · #2 07-16-2006, 02:24 PM

Makes me wonder if retro-upgrade installing lever operated w111 heat cable controls might be possible.

MikeTangas · #3 07-16-2006, 11:24 PM

I bought OEM replacements from FastLane when I reworked the controls on my 108. The original style levers are fine after about 4 years of use. Look way better than the Duralaver aftermarket replacements IMHO.

Mark DiSilvestro · #4 07-17-2006, 10:37 AM

Can anyone post pictures of the Duralevers?

Happy Motoring, Mark

mamali · #5 07-17-2006, 11:25 AM

I did a search on the Forum on the Duralevers. They do not seem to be available any more. Has any one purchased any recently? Which is better replacing the originals or the Duralevers? Thanks

senorunimog · #6 07-17-2006, 12:41 PM

If you want Duralevers get them at http://autoluxmbz.com/

They also have replacement vacuum diaphragms for your automatic door locks, if you have them

Mercedes also made a hard plastic version of the heater levers, which doesn’t break, unless you do something stupid (ie: have stuck heater valves, and still try to use the heater…trust me on this one). If you have them out of the car they look like a semi-circle, and are made completely of the colored plastic. Try looking at a junkyard for a replacement set, much cheaper than replacing with new/duralevers

JMela · #7 07-18-2006, 12:08 AM

I scored a set of aluminum heater levers off ebay from the late Randy Durrance a few years back. They look nice and fit perfectly. He was considering a production run of these, he said, but limited it to a few prototype sets. Not sure why.

mamali · #8 07-19-2006, 08:21 PM

I wish I could find the Aluminiums. At this point I think I will look for a unit with good levers and later down the road find a way to modify it.

Tomguy · #9 07-19-2006, 08:22 PM

Your cables should move smoothly. If your flaps are sticky or your valves are sticky, the new handles may break as easily as the old. If the system is working like it should, everything will be smooth and they won't break.

300SDog · #10 07-19-2006, 09:05 PM

Yeah and its the firewall monovalves that deserve attention. Even shooting them with penetrating oil and loosening em up can help. Build kits for these valves are available and apparently easy to install, but i've never done it.

Meanwhile the item you really want to protect is the heater core, got to thoroughly flush and backflush the system, can be done with a cheap prestone garden hose flush kit. Also disconnecting the heat core return line from the left rear of cyl head. Puttin your thumb over the opening to flush it out. An easy and enjoyable thing to do on 90 degree days is flush the coolant and heating system, an excellent DIY chore.

68_280SE · #11 07-20-2006, 08:22 AM

There is a 71 280SEL 4.5 in the pull-a-part on the south side of Atlanta that has aluminum heater levers. In fact it looks like somebody customized the whole car by making aluminum door panels, heater levers, coin tray, speaker covers, and whole lot of other interior trim pieces. It is very interesting to look at actually.

John

mamali · #12 07-20-2006, 11:28 AM

If you happened to go by t he car can you find out what they want for the levers? Would certainly appreciate it.

Larry Delor · #13 07-20-2006, 09:41 PM

I bought replacement levers on ebay (oem). Price was reasonable, except for the lever with the switch on it...I think it was around $60

Emmerich · #14 07-20-2006, 11:40 PM

Randy Durrance wrote an article on how to replace the levers, I think it was in the Star. It might be reproduced on the www.m-100info site, they have a ton of material there.