¡°Thousand island¡± dressing in air reservoir - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gast · #1 11-12-2003, 10:14 PM

I checked out the air reservoir for the suspension in the left wheel well last night. For curiosity sake, I decided to pump up the reservoir with a foot pump through the air valve on the side. While pumping, I heard air bubbling noise in the reservoir. I then pressed down on the valve pin and found some moisture coming out of it. It’s clear and felt a little oily. So, I went on to press up on the big air valve at the bottom of the reservoir to see what will happen. Nothing was released. Following that, I decided to open up the valve at the bottom by loosening the hex nut securing it to the reservoir body. Before doing it. I laid down a basin under it to catch any loose parts that might fall out after the valve is opened. As soon as the valve came loose, crud in the colour and consistency of “Thousand Island?salad dressing flowed out from the hole. Soon, the whole basin was filled up to the rim with “salad dressing?and water.

Last week, I cleared the alcohol/ anti-freeze reservoir on top of the air compressor. I found the alcohol reservoir half filled with ATF/power steering oil. The previous owner must have mistakenly filled it up with oil. ATF got pumped into the air reservoir and mixed with water in the reservoir to create the “salad dressing. I left the hole open overnight to drip out all the remaining crud. Before closing up the hole I thought of spraying water through the hole to flush out the remaining crud that ‘s stuck to the inside wall. Do you think water will do the job? Or should I use something stronger like degreaser?

- Han 69 300sel

wbain5280 · #2 11-13-2003, 12:11 AM

Now would be a good time to remove the air tank from the car and clean the innards with a degreaser. Also clean the bottom valve. I wonder how much ATF made it throughout the system. The jar is supposed to have denatured alcohol in it.

gast · #3 11-13-2003, 03:20 AM

Warren,

I can't find those alcohol from the auto parts shop. Can I use other alcohol to substitute? The purpose of the alcohol is more as an anti-freeze in the Winter isn't it? I live in a tropical country with no Winter. Do you think I can just leave the reservoir empty? Thanks.

- Han

wbain5280 · #4 11-13-2003, 04:34 AM

You should be able to get the de-natured variety at the drug store. If that doesn't work, they might have to order it or you can try a google search. It's added as an anti-freeze during the winter so the moisture/water won't freeze messing up the air suspension system, i.e., the leveling valves.

I thought about the ATF problem. Engine oil does get in there from the compressor so don't worry about it.

neileg · #5 11-13-2003, 11:21 AM

The english name for denatured alcohol is methylated spirits, though this has a dye in that I don't think they have in the US. A near equivalent is isopropyl alcohol.

Does this help?

300SDog · #6 11-13-2003, 11:56 AM

Purpose of alcohol evaporator is to collect moisture (water) caused by condensation in pressurized air system that then gets eliminated when the system is purged....... same alcohol evaporator is used in air brake systems for trucks. Try commercial truck depot where air-brake trucks are serviced to get authentic alcohol for the alc/anti-freeze reservoir.

Its called anti-freeze/alcohol reservoir in your Mercedes because alcohol evaporator prevents water/condensation from building up and then freezing in the system and causing lock up in colder climates this time of year........ a problem among commercial trucks in wintertime where air system is maintained at constant 110 lbs pressure and condensation produces a few ounces of water over several days of constant use. This advice comes to you from someone who has worked as over-the-road truck driver.

lietuviai · #7 11-14-2003, 01:07 PM

You can get the "denatured alcohol" at any large home improvement store such as Lowes or Home whatever.