Author Topic: I give up - removing gauge cluster  (Read 3423 times)

Trip

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I give up - removing gauge cluster
« on: November 27, 2014, 20:56:46 »
ok men - I am about to give up, I may torture myself and watch the Redskins, I got the tach out, so I could reach in there,  removed 3 threaded knobs, removed oil pressure line, wire harness seems
very stuck on - does that pry off?  I am trying to replace the chrome bezel, and thought I'd be able to do w/o removing the gauge cluster, not happening.
That brings me to 2nd question how in the world do you press that one?  Just dropped $175. for new one.
Trip
DC

tel76

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Re: I give up - removing gauge cluster
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2014, 21:53:38 »
There is also a small screw at the top of the instrument cluster have you removed that ?
You will have to remove the instrument to change the chrome bezel.
Eric

ja17

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Re: I give up - removing gauge cluster
« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2014, 03:50:58 »
Disconnect the oil pressure line  (10mm) if you have not yet. The wiring harness in the center can remain installed. Follow the wire harness to the plug under the dash and un-plug it there. Yes, as mentioned, after the small slotted, counter-sunk screw is removed (top center), the back portion of the center cluster can be removed. Next carefully  remove the two slotted screws holding the engine temperature gauge in the cluster. Now the engine temperature gauge can be left in the dash and the center cluster can finally be removed !  Be careful handling the fragile capillary line going to the engine temperature gauge.  You may want to have a speedometer person install the chrome ring it takes some care or you will ruin it or break the glass! I suspect that the professionals have a special tool.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

ctaylor738

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Re: I give up - removing gauge cluster
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2014, 23:06:40 »
What i have found:

If you remove the steering wheel, disconnect the wire harness under the dash per Joe, and can get some slack in the coolant temp line, you can pull the gauge cluster out far enough to remove the chrome trim and glass.  I fold up a large towel and set it on the steering column as a little work area.  The trim on the cluster removes and goes back on fairly easily.  I use a small screwdriver bent to an L shape and pry gently to get either the top or bottom off and then it pretty much slides off.  You need to do a little re-bending when you put it back on.

Cheers,
Chuck Taylor
1963 230SL #00133
1970 280SL #13027 (restored and sold)
1966 230SL #15274 (sold)
1970 280SL #14076 (sold)
Falls Church VA