Heater not working

[n/a]

Any top tips for mending a non-working fan and rotary heater controls that don't want to seem to move?  I recall reading somewhere that it was a huge job that required taking the whole of the dash out - is that really true or can it be down somehow else?

[rwmastel]

First I would look at our Technical Articles on the interior.  Here is the link:

http://www.sl113.org/articles/interior/interior.asp

Second, I did a search for "heater control dash" and got the following hits:

http://index.php?topic=423
http://index.php?topic=538
http://index.php?topic=784
http://index.php?topic=472
http://index.php?topic=404
http://index.php?topic=397
http://index.php?topic=379
http://index.php?topic=95

This should get you pleanty of basic information.  Read it in detail and get a good understanding of what you are getting into.  From there, ask more detailed questions and I'm sure you'll get the help you need.  Best of luck!

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[George Davis]

John, I haven't looked at the links Rodd posted, but just want to say that yes, you have to take the whole dash apart and it's a big job.  Allow a few weeks if you're doing it on weekends, and while you're in there, fix everything you can think of 'cause you don't want to do it twice.  Which you may have to do anyway, but the second time is easier.  Now is the time to do it, before good driving weather comes back.

One tip: test run the blower motor on the bench for 5-10 minutes on both speeds.  I didn't, and after reassembling everything the blower motor started squealling.  That's why I took it all apart again.  Better to find that on the bench.

Good luck, it's sort of a fun project...

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Naj ✝︎]

Well, I'd say not the whole of the dash, just the easier half:
glove box, clock, radio and then the heater box.
In my book taking out the speedo/tacho etc. is the tougher job.
Like George says, treat it as a project and sort out all problems - you don't want to come here again soon!
Happy fixing
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[n/a]

quote:Originally posted by JohnMears

Any top tips for mending a non-working fan and rotary heater controls that don't want to seem to move?  I recall reading somewhere that it was a huge job that required taking the whole of the dash out - is that really true or can it be down somehow else?

Frank, I just went through the replacement of the 4 rotary heater controls, and the inside light of the speedo, all dashboard had to be removed, a though job. Hervé

Hervé
280SL 1969

[ted280sl]

John,
  I believe our fellow members have provided the appropriate warnings to you. The reward after you have completed the job is having a working heater system as well as admittance to a sub group of those who have ventured where most backyard mechanics fear to go. As a member of this sub group I would say that it is difficult but, the mechanics are pretty basic.
Regards,
Ted 1969 280SL a member who has benn there.
PS: You will qualify for additional merit points if your Pagoda has an air conditioning unit as mine does.

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by ted280sl

The reward after you have completed the job...

John posted the original question in Jan, 2004.  I wonder if he's done yet?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[n/a]

Sorry not to have replied to you all on this one.  Shortly after my original note I thankfully realised the solutions to my problems were much simpler.  A new fuse for the fan!!!  and I manually just move the heater control position directly at the valve twice a year (from hot to cold and visa-versa) through a hole covered by a rubber insert on the bulkhead.