PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - If everything under the dash is oil soaked...

dmorrison · #9 04-15-2004, 05:41 AM

Its not a terribly difficult job to remove the dash. but I dont think your at that stage yet.
Pull the instrument cluster and check the oil pressure guage AND LINE. This is a easy job. You can push the dash out from behind if your not sure about making a tool to pull the dash. While the instrument cluster is out, look at the igition switch and make sure its ok. Visually inspect the lines going to and from the ignition switch shutoff unit.
Then move onto the door vacuum system. This will be checked in the engine compartment. Disconnect the lines going into the passenger compartment and look for oil. Then go down to the driver floor. Pull the carpet and pad and check the vacuum connections there. I doubt that your dor system is the problem. The lines do not go to the dash center section. But if they are oil filled then you go back into the engine compartment for your oil source. By the way have you found the source of the oil yet?

For the AC system, your year, 1980, vacuum elements can be rebuilt for $5.00 per unit from George Murphy at Performance analysis company, 865-482-9175. He sells the diapram that you will use to rebuild the element. This will keep the cost down. also you only have 2 elements in the AC system If I recall correctly. The fresh air unit which is acessable through the glove box and the floor unit which is acessable from below the dash on the passenger side.
You will probably pull the center consol units, to access the AC control units. Your not pulling the consol just the ashtray, radio and ac panel. This should give you plenty of access to clean everything and replace what is necessary.

Review the manual and go at it systematically. Post any questions that you may have

Dave