Cleaning out debris/leaves under fuse block on a Mercedes-Benz

[86560SEL]

Did a search, but could not find it, but I have read in the past something here about keeping leaves/debris cleaned out from under the underhood fuse box on a Mercedes- particularly the W126, but I assume it applies to all models.

I took a look at mine the other day and I could see leaves. It is very tight in there and a I could barely get my hand between the fender/fuse block. I did get some leaves out of there though. They were not packed full in there, but definitely some there. Only a few remain. Would just leaving a few in there hurt it? If so, what is the trick of getting all of them out of there? Water hose? I think a vacuum cleaner with an attachment may get some, but not all. I do not see where a few would hurt, or would it?

Also- how important is it to get the leaves/debris from under the battery tray? Is that also a fire hazard, or is nothing under that one?

Thanks in advance.

[Qamar]

I personally think that you should disturb all the colonies of the leaves with a hard wire and then by the help of a domestic or Commercial vacum cleaner suck them up.
Thats the best way of getting rid of them.

[jbaj007]

Under the fuse block I wouldn't be using a "hard wire"; but rather, something non-metallic. There are a lot of electrical connections under there; some are of the "always hot" variety, I believe.

Compressed air would be a wise choice and blow it out.

[420 SE]

I just get the vac in there and slurp them out.

I guess there is a couple of good reasons, 1. potential for fire - though fairly unlikely unless there were lots in there, they were all dry, and you have lots of sparking shorts. 2. they get wet and sludgy and start a little rust habit - IMO much more likely.

They are just messy and untidy - get rid of them.

Cheers

[Kestas]

More than just messy and untidy, leaves can compost, form acids, and rot the adjacent areas from poultice corrosion.

[Jarod]

meaning:

the fenders'll rust off??

[autozen]

I believe that the 126 is one of the finest models ever produced by MB. The design and engineering of the 126 is incredible until you get to the built in leaf trap below the windshield. I have several 126s and two large trees in my front yard. It is always time consuming, but I find the best method is using the powerful electric leaf blower that I have. It does better than a vacuum.

[Hatterasguy]

The leaf trap is one part of the W126 design that is really poor. During the fall I will vacuum mine out once a week, if you stay on top of it, it never gets bad.


I stuck a 5/8 copper pipe in the vavuum cleaner for some reach. Combind that with the air compressor and I am able to blow/suck all the leaves out.

Wow that last sentence didn't sound right!

[lesrrt]

Hey 86! I use a shop-vac as suggested above w/ my compressed air line and work them together. I try to blow the debris over to the valley while I have the the vac stuffed in the corner. The trick is to blow the leaves/junk into the vac suction of air. Hope this helps.

[Monomer]

During the first week of driving my w126, the leaves that the PO let accumulate caught on fire, and smuldered under the hood.


A bit of water and I was on my way, vaccumed out any leaves I could find.

[86560SEL]

thanks for those replies... kinda old thread and I no longer have that car. I never did get around to cleaning out those leaves.

Since Oct. 2008, I have owned another W126... this time a 1988. Again, leaves and have decided its time to get them out since I have recently given this car to my mother. I was going to use the blower, but couldnt find my air chuck. I am going to get the vac out and see what I can do with it, then try to blow them out. Other than that, seems impossible to get them out... I snapped these pics of the area back in November....

revolting.... (oh and the brake fluid has been replaced since this.... )







Its even on the passenger side by the battery...