center vents not working on 560SL

[Toolztud]

Hi Everyone! I am new to the forum. I have a 82 380 sl which I got about 6 months ago. I have a question about vents. I have good center vent flow, but also full time defrost flow in position C with minimum temp set (max) In central Fla this makes my windshield fog up. Where should I start looking?

[lynns]

Originally Posted by Toolztud

good center vent flow, but also full time defrost flow in position C with minimum temp set (max) In central Fla this makes my windshield fog up. Where should I start looking?

I would suggest that you take your car to a INDY and have them do a climate control vacuum test for about $85.00.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=40

My guess is that the center vent actuator needs replacement. When my center actuator was not functioning properly a lot of the air went to the defroster with some coming out of the center vents.

[Walrus]

Originally Posted by Toolztud

Hi Everyone! I am new to the forum. I have a 82 380 sl which I got about 6 months ago. I have a question about vents. I have good center vent flow, but also full time defrost flow in position C with minimum temp set (max) In central Fla this makes my windshield fog up. Where should I start looking?

While there are some differences between a 380 and a 560 in the climate control system, perhaps a review of the following threads might help you, as well as the website refered to...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=165116
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=166135

Good luck, and Lynn has given you some good advice, but you can do it yourself if you have a vacuum pump and gauge...

The info in the website is also in the mshop wiki, under the DIY articles tab at the top of the page...
Cheers.

Rory

[Toolztud]

Thanks guys for the good advice. I will get out the vacuum pump and see what I learn. I spent the evening R&R'ing the tranny filter and changing fluid. I had developed a slip between 2nd and 3rd. Hoping the new fluid/filter will take care of it. Are the MB transmissions sensitive to dirty fluid/filters? I recently had the radiator out for a Water pump change and suspect there may have been some water left in the cooler from the radiator shop! You'd think with 195,000 miles I wouldnt need to consider a new transmission! LOL!

[whunter]

1987
560SL

Vacuum Element, For Defroster Nozzle Flap
MB# 000 800 32 75

Vacuum Element, For Fresh Air Flap
MB# 107 800 26 75

Vacuum Element, For Central Air Duct
MB# 116 800 19 75

Vacuum Element, X4
107 800 36 75




related data

Heater Box Repair
on the 1988 560SL (R107)
by Walrus
10/03/06
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/R107HeaterBox





.

[1983-380sl]

"I just replaced my defrost vent actuator on my 86 560sl.

"The 107 maintenance manual says to remove the dash to service the actuator, DON"T DO IT. You can get to the actuator through the center dash opening if you remove the climate control unit, radio and console it is on the upper left of the opening there is a rivet holding the arm to the top of the actuator this has to be drilled out, I used a #10 drill bit. if you get the parts and the tool to dissemble the actuator the new diaphragm should be a snap to change. On my 560 it is a dual actuator so you have two pieces to remove. Make sure the new actuator is seated properly or you will be back where you started. You will have to use a machine screw w/ locknut or a rivet to hold the arm on the actuator, don't over tighten or it may bind up. Putting everything back together is a snap. I did mine last week, so if you need any guidance let me know."


I'd like to try your solution rather then remove whole dash. What special tool is required to dissemble the actuator?