230SL info

[Benz Dr.]

I don't think it's there to catch condensation. Where would condensation be coming from at that end of the hose?

 A less likely yet very possible reason is it's there to cach brake fluid or the vapors from brake fluid. If the seals are leaking inside of the booster a certain amount will get into the vacuum line. Looking into this small trap should tell you that the booster is failing. Keeping brake fluid from entering the engine would be a good reason for this trap.

On 190SL's there is no trap and a leaking booster can ruin an engine pretty quickly if you're driving at night and don't notice all the white smoke.

The 113 booster has the vacuum port high up on the booster to prevent this from happening but small amounts could still splash up and get into the pipe. Perhaps later cars have a different design and the trap isn't needed, if it fact it ever was.

Just my thoughts but I've always thought it was for this reason.

Daniel G Caron

[A Dalton]

A bad master rear  seal will show up in the trap, but , according to all my literature. it is a gas fume/drop trap.

 They refer to it as the
Power Brake vacuum line "Gasoline Seperating Vessel"..
 ATE Booster T-50 systems.
Prevention of rubber sleeve damage at booster.

[Ben]

Okay regarding the straight lip......I have it on my '64, with NO grommet. I dont have the trap either. My car is manual !

Maybe RHD cars didn't get the trap as the booster is beside the inlet manifold and either its not needed or more likely.......it wouldn't fit !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[Benz Dr.]

Ok, I'll buy that. My idea seemed good though.

Daniel G Caron

[A Dalton]

Actually, Dan..
 I had one that kept filling up and it was brake fluid..
 So, anyone that has to keep adding fluid to the res. and can't locate a leak or sees fluid in the trap ,  check
the booster . A good trick here is to take the vac hose off at the booster and insert a small vac hose . Push it to the bottom of the booster tank and blow in it . If there is any fluid, you will hear it bubble.
 I think that when they went with the larger booster, they prolly omitted the trap cuz the later seals were prob newer tech gas resistant polypro of some type...

[Benz Dr.]

Well there ya go. I'm not completely nuts after all. Now I really like my idea better.

Daniel G Caron

[Albert-230SL]

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

That's the picture! Having the book really helps because you can see more of the fine detail but this should be helpful to anyone with an early car.
There's likely to be someone who has the same thing for a later car. Anyone have that?

Daniel G Caron

Hi Dan (and "Bpossel", who also asked for it),

I found these two pictures in the original 280 SL brochures (engine and injection), and another interesting picture in the 230 SL brochure: engine and suspension of both axles.

Download Attachment: 280SLbro.jpg
78.44 KB

Download Attachment: 280SLinj.jpg
78.73 KB

Download Attachment: 230SLaxl.jpg
78.13 KB

Regards

Albert de la Torre Chavalera
Barcelona (Catalunya/Spain)
Feb.'64 230 SL Euro 113042-10-002432

[Malc]

Love the picture of the suspension Albert has posted!
Check out the wonderful crossply tyres    Bias ply in US speak
Guess that would spark a "handling" debate
Cheers
Malc