Author Topic: Engine bay Drain Tube (Read 2188 times)

Kevkeller · « **on:** November 07, 2023, 08:04:33 »

I need to clean up my engine bay while the engine is out. The right side drain near the exhaust pipes has rusted away. I believe the drain is for the air intake area in front of the windshield.

I thought it was a straight pipe sticking out however I’ve seen a picture showing a curved pipe. Is that from an earlier model and the later models were straight? or are they all slightly curved?

Thanks,
Kevin

Pawel66 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2023, 08:30:00 »

On my 1970 280SL it goes sharp outside. If it were straight it would end very close to exhaust manifold.

I am not sure if this drain was straight on earlier cars, do not recall discussion about it here.

The discussion I recall was about the rubber piece at the end of this drain on this side of engine bay and a lot of Members said it was not fitted there due to heat. Parts list, however, suggests otherwise - 2 pcs are needed.

On the picture, when you close up the view you will see the drain pipe and the rubber "valve" on it with a clamp (which normally should not be there).

I modified the post, added another picture where it is clearly visible.

Kevkeller · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2023, 09:26:45 »

Thank you. Hmm guess I have a bad memory, I don’t remember the bend. Mine is a ‘70 LHD.

I am thinking about the best way to put it in. Obviously it was welded originally however if I do weld it in I don’t think I have access to the other side of that wall to repaint.

I was thinking about using J B Weld or something to hold it in. Any other ideas?

Kevkeller · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2023, 09:30:52 »

Beautiful job on your engine bay!

Pawel66 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2023, 09:46:18 »

Thank you!

Not an expert here, but I think these pipes are one piece that goes through to above footwell area, then hoses are attached to them. You may need to remove the remaining piece on the footwell side, otherwise you will not connect them.

Please find enclosed picture how it looks on the other side. I would have thought that the hole in cross-member may be big enough to stick a nozzle and spray protective coat inside after welding. There is also a drain hole above the pipe.

mauro12 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2023, 10:03:03 »

The last picture , is this a drain hole ? I’ve read in previous post that this hole should be plugged .

Pawel66 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2023, 10:28:20 »

Yes, it is and it should be plugged as you say. The one on top of the cross-member.

rwmastel · « **Reply #7 on:** November 07, 2023, 14:25:23 »

There is a drain hole where the cross member, subframe rail, and inner fender all meet.

Pawel66 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2023, 14:29:48 »

Yes. Some details in the attached.

Kevkeller · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2023, 21:22:26 »

Yes I believe the tube is one piece also. I’ve got my dash apart also and see that.

Thanks for all the info. It’s much appreciated. I’ll look through the holes and see what I can do.

Kevin

Kevkeller · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2023, 05:42:06 »

Looks like I’ll have to do some sheet metal repair also. Below the tube the sheet metal is rusted through.

I haven’t seen new sheet metal for that area for sale so I think I’ll have to make a new piece.

rwmastel · « **Reply #11 on:** November 08, 2023, 13:52:21 »

These are full parts, but maybe you can get a patch panel from them if you ask nice?
https://www.kkmfg.com/catalog_loader2.php?page=113BodyPanels.xml

Pawel66 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 08, 2023, 14:58:32 »

There is something here: https://www.sls-hh-shop.de/main/en/mercedes-230-280sl-w113-/62-body-frame-panelling/62-body-front

May try here as well (you have to go to 62 Front End): https://www.niemoeller.de/en/w113/w113/B044

Corrected the link, thank you.

But shipping to the US....

rwmastel · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2023, 15:57:52 »

Those two links are the same.

mauro12 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 08, 2023, 19:23:33 »

If it’s a drain hole , why it must be plugged ? If you pour water there , where is going to end up ?
Another hole that is not mentioned is near the wiper motor. Ive talked about it in the past . I was noticing water in the passenger footwell and I found out that water was entering from that hole . I bought a rubber plug and solved the issue .

Pawel66 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 08, 2023, 19:35:03 »

Mauro12, we talked about these drain holes several years back. Water ends up in a closed profile where it has no way out. Some Members said that they find factory plugs in them. This would suggest they were not meant to be drain but maybe technological holes important while painting base coat. Consensus was to plug them, especially that you have another pair of drain holes right next downstream to them.

The hole under the wiper motor was also discussed as you say and it is just a hole in plain sheet metal leading straight to footwell. Plugged as well.

Kevkeller · « **Reply #16 on:** February 18, 2024, 05:20:08 »

Can someone take a clear picture from the top of the curved drain pipe and maybe measure how far it sticks out? I need to know how much curve to put it.

Thanks,

Kevin

JamesL · « **Reply #17 on:** February 18, 2024, 08:06:15 »

Great pdf Pawel, thanks.

What’s the best tool(s) to use to make sure lines are not blocked. Poking an unfolded wire coat hanger through may work but likely do as much damage as it may solve

mclewis · « **Reply #18 on:** February 18, 2024, 14:48:19 »

I remember quite a while ago someone here recommending the top (thickest) string on a guitar. I’ve never tried it though.

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Author Topic: Engine bay Drain Tube (Read 2188 times)