Dashpot Restoration or Replacement

[RobSirg]

Hi Guys,

My dashpot in the 280SL (Manual) is looking tatty. It doesn't appear they are available.

I see 'Benzrestorer' is selling them but the length of the rod appears too long - so might be for a different model.

Does anyone know if they can be replated without being damaged? (I assume they were yellow Cad originally?)

Worst case I can give it a manual polish in which case it will look more like Gal.

Thanks in advance

Rob

[stickandrudderman]

The plating process doesn’t damage the diaphragm.

[Jordan]

Rob, do a search for a dashpot for other manufacturers and you should find one the same size (diaphragm, rod end and threaded end).  Mine was missing when I bought the car and I ended up getting one for a North American car, same era.  Not at home at the moment so can't look it up and it was nine years ago.  The one I got fit and works perfectly.

[RobSirg]

Thanks Guys,

Yes I did see some for Buick's etc, but I think I will just have them plate it with my other parts.

Regards,

[mbzse]

.../...a dashpot for other manufacturers and you should find one the same size (diaphragm, rod end and threaded end).../...

I have done the same, in some iterations the past decades. I can share some experiences: The various dashpot devices you can find on the market do have different "inertia" and spring force - they do not all share the same specification. But they look very similar on the outside if you put them side by side.
For your SL, you need something that has fairly soft dampening rate.

The dashpot has significant importance for the feel of shifting your gears, and for avoiding coughs in engine running when you rapidly let go of the accelerator (mounted on manual cars only).

The devices fail because the dampening diaphragm inside them ruptures

[RobSirg]

Thanks Hans- this is good information.

I gather there is no physical way to check if the diaphragm is damaged?

Regards,

[mbzse]

.../... physical way to check if the diaphragm is damaged?

The device will have a "limp" feel to it, when you press the pin.
If ok, you will hear a hiss from the dampening air cushion

[RobSirg]

Thanks Hans, yes, l can feel the diaphragm when l press the pin - will check for the same feel after plating.
Cheers.