What's that 'salt shaker' on the dash?

[Pooka]

I know a lot about Mercedes. I think everyone here does. Hopefully someone can fill in a hole in my knowledge.

On early diesel cars, from like 1972 back, there is a 'salt shaker top' looking thing on the dash near the steering wheel.

So... What is this thing?

[vstech]

it's your glow plug indicator. it heats up when you pull the gorilla knob to heat up the glow plugs...

[Lycoming-8]

On those cars equipped with the 'salt-shaker' glow indicator, there is also the large knob used to provide the glow, start, run, and fuel cut-off functions handled by the key on later models. This knob is known as the 'gorilla' knob. The 'salt-shaker' glows along with the real glow plugs in each pre-chamber, and I believe is in series with the rest of them. The timing relay is located inside the head of the vehicle operator.

[Skid Row Joe]

A vintage MB diesel owner exists that is NOT familiar with this indicator?!

My gawd this takes me back to my Dad's new 1969 220D! I was all of 18 years old at the time!

As VStech stated; it's the glow plugs' red-hot indicator wire enclosed in the "salt shaker"......LOL!

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by Lycoming-8

On those cars equipped with the 'salt-shaker' glow indicator, there is also the large knob used to provide the glow, start, run, and fuel cut-off functions handled by the key on later models. This knob is known as the 'gorilla' knob. The 'salt-shaker' glows along with the real glow plugs in each pre-chamber, and I believe is in series with the rest of them. The timing relay is located inside the head of the vehicle operator.

My Dad checked me out on the '69 220D before letting me borrow it for the first time.

Da was great about reviewing and re-reviewing vehicle operations with all our family.

He loved that 220D! He paid a ton for it brand new too!

[Ghoti]

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

A vintage MB diesel owner exists that is NOT familiar with this indicator?!

My gawd this takes me back to my Dad's new 1969 220D! I was all of 18 years old at the time!

As VStech stated; it's the glow plugs' red-hot indicator wire enclosed in the "salt shaker"......LOL!

Wow...you're old.

[Pooka]

Thanks for all the answers. This is just one part of Mercedes ownership I had never fooled with, and I am sort of considering the purchase of a fintail diesel.

Now I know one more thing to check out before buying.

Thanks again!

[okto]

Post a picture for those of us who have never seen one! ^_^