230SL Temperature Unit Removal

[Harry]

I need to remove my temperature sending unit on my 1966 230SL.  There is barely access to even get a 14mm wrench on the nut and I have been soaking with PB Blaster.  Still very tight.  Resumed soaking.  Is there a preferred approach of tool that might make this a little easier?

[Naj ✝︎]

I would remove that pod from the engine and soak from the inside.
Then hold the nut with a suitable wrench and turn the pod.
You're likely to damage the capillary tube if you force the nut in situ
Naj

[Harry]

I hadn't considered that approach.  Can the pod be removed without removing the injection pump?  I had elected to soak the fitting and use a heat gun on the pod to get it to heat up, hopefully such that it would expand more than the nut for the gage, and perhaps release.  But I certainly do not want to damage the capillary tube.

Harry

[Benz Dr.]

That's what we do here - remove the pod so that the capillary tube is free to move without fear of breaking off. I think the trick is to shock it loose rather than apply even pressure. Use a flare nut wrench and tap it with a hammer so that it cracks the nut loose. You can use a bit of heat around the nut but I wouldn't use too much.
You can't spend too much time on this. It's one of those things that will cost you if you become frustrated with your progress.

[Harry]

Good advice.  I am unfortunately too familiar with damaging tubes when loosening the nuts that secure them - not to mention a capillary tube.  I'll have a look at removing the pod.  Thanks very much.
Harry

[Harry]

OK - it looks like the pod could be removed by removing one bolt through the center (running perpendicular to the engine block) except it also looks like it threads onto a large fitting coming out of the side of the block?  The latter would imply that the pod would have to be screwed off of this large fitting.  That would negate being able to remove the temp sensor before the pod is removed.  I suppose that supports that the pod can be removed by removal of the center bolt but I wanted to confirm since it doesn't look that way.

Thanks,
Harry

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, Harry.

Its just that one bolt holding the pod to the cyl head.
Its not screwed on.
you'll need a new sealing ring.

naj

[Harry]

I'm waiting for the aluminum sealing ring from Germany through a local MB dealer.  Is there a quicker source for the large ring?

[Benz Dr.]

I'm waiting for the aluminum sealing ring from Germany through a local MB dealer.  Is there a quicker source for the large ring?

Only if you're good with a pair of shears and a sheet of aluminum. 

[Harry]

Before I take that route, I better see whether I will get the part from MB in the near future.  If not, I may have to get creative, rework the old gasket, etc.  (None of which is particularly desirable.)