Fix for broken fuse holder in fuse box

[ctaylor738]

This has to fall into the "if it can go wrong, it will" category.

I removed all the fuses in my 280 project to clean up the contacts and install new fuses.  As I removed F9, the lower "tab" broke.  I guess the rivet that held it to the fuse box just gave up.  So I thought of soldering (not much room, not likely to work because of the spring tension), hot wiring (not a good idea with a headlight circuit), a new fuse box (don't even think about it), or maybe drill a hole and secure the tab with a screw (promising).

So I carefully peeled the fuse label off.  But before I got the drill out, I thought I would practice on a fuse box from a 114 car that I bought the entire wiring harness from.  I discovered that behind the rivet that holds the tab is the end of the screw that attaches the wiring on the inside of the car, and that the screw hole is threaded all the way through.

So I removed the M3x6 screw from the inside of the fuse box and replaced it with a M3x3 screw and a flat washer to get a little more space.  Then I used a second M3x3 screw and a flat washer to re-fasten the tab that holds the fuse.

Hopefully this is a rare event, but this is an easy fix if it does happen.

Cheers,

[Flyair]

Another great and useful idea that should make it to the Tech Manual…Thanks.

I am actually about to start the electric part of renovation of my pagoda, so this hit may come handy (although I hope it actually wouldn't

[rjfurlan]

This has to fall into the "if it can go wrong, it will" category.

I removed all the fuses in my 280 project to clean up the contacts and install new fuses.  As I removed F9, the lower "tab" broke.  I guess the rivet that held it to the fuse box just gave up.  So I thought of soldering (not much room, not likely to work because of the spring tension), hot wiring (not a good idea with a headlight circuit), a new fuse box (don't even think about it), or maybe drill a hole and secure the tab with a screw (promising).

So I carefully peeled the fuse label off.  But before I got the drill out, I thought I would practice on a fuse box from a 114 car that I bought the entire wiring harness from.  I discovered that behind the rivet that holds the tab is the end of the screw that attaches the wiring on the inside of the car, and that the screw hole is threaded all the way through.

So I removed the M3x6 screw from the inside of the fuse box and replaced it with a M3x3 screw and a flat washer to get a little more space.  Then I used a second M3x3 screw and a flat washer to re-fasten the tab that holds the fuse.

Hopefully this is a rare event, but this is an easy fix if it does happen.

Cheers,

My 250sl came with a broken fuse tab on fuse 2. Unfortunately the broken part is no where to be found. I am looking for the part in the picture. Anyone know what is is actually called and where I could find one?


Thanks
Rich

[ja17]

Rich, I have used the same fix as Chuck in the past.  These brass tabs are the same in other MBs of the era. I have lots of these. If you still need one let me know.

[rjfurlan]

Thanks for the reply Joe. Now that I know they are the same as other MBs of the era I will try to find one locally. If I can not I will pm you. Thank you for your kind offer.