Evil servo question.
Looking to take my '80 out of storage and drive it this summer. Climate control system is marginal at best. Wnt to fix it and seems like there are a few options.
heat comes and goes, sometimes too hot, too cold...you get the idea. The system just doesn't work very well.

1) Bypass- did that before with another '80 and don't want to do it again.

2) Digital conversion I see advertised on that one website...$600 is expensive however.

3) What I would *like* to do is upgrade to the newer system (type II) found in the '81-'85 models. Is this possible? Seems (<-key word) that everything should just bolt up without a hitch, and I drive off into the sunset in perfectly controlled climate.

I really hate the type-one system. Hated it in my 116 car, hate it even more now. I hate it like a deer hates a shotgun. Doesn't work well, its ugly, and the lighting at night is funky- too bright. Looks like an afterthought in an otherwise perfect interior.

So is it even possible? I wouldn't mind paying a chunk of money to make it happen.

Thanks.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

It ain't gonna bolt up...........you have wiring changes to deal with.... and Massive vacume line changes...... wooden panel to modify.....vacume pods on new style are not directly switched off of the ACC panel like the old one.......you MIGHT do it..but have not heard of anyone who has....

You can get aluminum body rebuilt ACC servos for about $350....new ACC amp about $79............I would go digital if you can afford it or remanufactured route......which is what I did on my W116.

Those two systems are comparing apples to oranges. And if you are going to attempt it know in advance you will need a LOT of time to do it....and not counting troubleshooting time.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

You might not like the bypass idea, but $3 worth of heater hose, and I got all the heat I can handle....

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Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

Thanks for the responses.

I agree that it would probably be a fair amount of trouble to hook up. I was hoping someone would tell me taht the vaccuum lines are set up similarly.

Looks for now like I will just buy another servo.

Some guys have converted the manual system, so that is always as option, as has been proven possible.

I'll give each idea some thought.

Thanks.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

I sorted out the type 1 system in my 1980 300TD and it works fine. I was able to find a new AL body servo on evilBay for $250 and I got a good used resistor bank for $10.00. I think the system will be reliable for a while once you get it sorted out. At least with a 1980 you don't have to worry about the turbo sucking your sump dry....

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Bill Reimels
Now down to one:
1972 300SE 3.5 W109 (Euro delivery)

Has anybody installed the digital conversion system?? I'm having a few problems with the push buttons (have to trick her by turning on the DEF first, then switching to Air), so I will probably get the whole system back in shape. AC was already converted with new comp/drier, etc a couple of years ago. Also, any good sources for reconditioned push buttons?

Thanks!

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TClanton
1980 450SL 90K
1980 300SD 112K

I got two old spares for future need that look decent shape........remanufactured ones aren't cheap. YOu can get them but I don't remember where I have seen them.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

So I'm guessing that '80 was a transition year for the ACC as my 80 wagon has the non-evil climate control servo. It has the horizontal buttons, where my parts car ('77) has the earlier. My ACC is currently bypassed, but I have gone in and resoldered it as per instructions linked from here, and someday may try to hook it up properly.

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John