Paint overspray in air scoop

[Zach]

I just acquired my SL in January and I'm glad to have access to such a great resource as this Forum.  

Apparently as a result of an overly aggressive paint job several years ago, I can't budge the vent louver inside the air scoop and consequently my dash control for open/shut airflow does not work - it's stuck in the middle position.  Likewise my windshield washer does not work possibly due to the paint overspray crusting up the tube.  Two questions:

1. How can I remove the air scoop without damaging the paint since the screws are painted over?; and
2. How do I feed a new washer tube from the air scoop down through the firewall?

Any other suggestions for un-sticking the vent louver without removing the scoop would be appreciated - I've already cracked a portion of the rubber seal on the leading edge.  If I can't adjust the vent, at least I'd like the washer to work, even though I don't plan to drive where roadspray is possible (I avoid puddles and bad weather whenever possible). However, the washer is required for the annual state inspection.

By the way, I removed and cleaned out the washer pump and made sure the tubes were clear (the one to the nozzle seems to be somewhat blocked).
Thank you,

Z
66 230SL Euro 4spd

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Z,

Welcome.  Have you removed the front chrome cover on the cowl vent?  That would provide you greater access to the vent louver.  I would take an x-acto knife and try to cut around the screw heads, etc. in order to remove the cowl vent cover.  You also can gain access to this area by taking the heater core out.  It's a pretty big job that you can read about be searching the topic.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Zach]

Thank you.
Yes, I can and have removed the chrome facia.
Access to the washer tube requires removal of the cowl cover, correct?
Once inside, do you have any suggestions for repairing the vent louver?
Lastly, if the nozzle is clogged, what is the best way to clear it - especially if it's clogged with paint?  It also looks painted in place.

Z
66 230SL Euro 4spd

[J. Huber]

Not 100 percent sure but I think once you have the chrome off, the washer tube is right there. It has a 90 degree turn and slides onto nozzle mechanism. I'd unhook it and carefully test with the stalk to see if its clear, or else blow through it. If it is, it's your nozzle that's clogged. I used a small sewing needle to clear mine.

James
63 230SL

[jeffc280sl]

James is correct.  You can see the washer tube elbow when the chrome cover is removed.  The tube itself is secured by small metal tabs on the underside of the cowl cover.  A mirror may help you see it.  The louver itself has a pin hinge on each side.  I think there are two small bolts near the ends of the louver that secure it to the pin.  The louver itself is metal.  There is a rubber gasket which runs around the louver to enable a tight seal when closed.  It appears as if the rubber gasket has been painted.  You can maybe take a x-acto blade again and try to break the seal between the paint and the rubber gasket.  If you want to operate the vent this will have to be done at some point.  I purchased a new seal some years ago.  Check to make sure you can by a new one and then just cut the rubber out until you get to the painted surface.  Here is a pic of what it looks like.







Download Attachment: louver.gif
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Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Zach]

Thank you for the detailed descriptions.
If I want or need to replace the washer tube, the cowl needs to be removed it seems.  If so, is it difficult to get down there to feed the tube through the firewall?

Z
66 230SL Euro 4spd

[jeffc280sl]

It's not too difficult as I recall.  You could tape the new tubing to the old and as you carefully remove the old the new one should thread right in place.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Naj ✝︎]

Z,
Removing the scoop is fairly easy.
There are two screws on its rear, just below windscreen. Yes, the paint will come off but they should be chrome anyway.
There are 3 or 4 more screws which need to be loosened but not totally removed. You should see these thru the scoop behind the air flap on the fire-wall.
Then the scoop should just lift up.
You can also remove the fresh air flap by unbolting one of the end hinge pins, and clean out the air box and the air filter which will be visible one the flap is off. Routing the washer tube will be much easier now.
The washer jet is held to the scoop with a spring clip. This can be removed for cleaning out the jet.

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[norton]

Zach if the scoop was painted on the car, (and with the screws being painted I'm guessing it was) You may have to cut the paint between the scoop and the cowl before you can remove the scoop.

Mike Halleck
Chesterfield Mi
71 280SL
68 250SL (parts car)
94 E320 Coupe