sticking air distribution lever

[Xhafer Orhan]

The air distribution lever in my 230 SL (the top right lever) only goes half way between up (defroster) and down (foot level).  Think the cable is what is sticking.  Maybe wishful thinking on my part but would rather address this as the problem and avoid, if at all possible, removal of the air distribution box to see if it or the cable attachment at that end of the cable is the problem.  My question is:  If I use a Cable Luber/oiler  and aerosol lube at the  control lever end of the cable assuming that the pressurized lube goes the entire length of the cable, will this cause any damage to whatever is connected to the far end of the cable (i/e. the distribution box)?  Any thoughts  Thanks Jeff........ 

[jeffc280sl]

have you looked at the tech manual?  this is a common issue with many posts.  do a search, read up and ask questions


https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Levers

[Xhafer Orhan]

I've read everything I can find in the Tech Manual  (probably my problem is that I'm not computer literate) but while it describes the removal process for the lever unit (usually with advice to take your time and be prepared to scratch  /. cut hands in a confined space after removal of the radio, glove box, clock and three piece facing etc.etc.. I can get to the near end of all four cables where they connect to the 4 turning wheels but in order to get to the far end of the air distribution lever (upper right) I'm told that I must first remove the Air Distribution Box.  This I've not done and nothing I find (including photos which are usually fairly complete) describes the correct way to do so.  Alternatively I have purchased a cable oiler and aerosol sprayer mentioned in one post but the cable it was going to be used on was not the Air Distribution Box cable.  My thought is to inject oil (specially made for cable oiling) the entire length of the cable without removing the Air Distribution Box.  Don't expect that to harm cable, the far end of the cable or the Box, but I don't know if this is wise.  Any thoughts??  Jeff.......

[jeffc280sl]

taking the box out is a major pain in the a.. job.  i did it years ago.  i would try all ideas to lube the cable through the speaker hole.  i hope others see this post and can offer more current memories. removing the air box, heater levers, a/c etc easily leads to other jobs like the heater core.  if you need light bulbs in your levers this job can creep to include all dash bulbs, clean gauges etc.  the job is hard to just stop at freeing up one lever.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=30024.msg217520#msg217520

i suggest you contact Yves with your questions.  as you can see he was recently working in the area.  yves is a really good contributor whose advise is well thought

[Xhafer Orhan]

Thanks Jeff,  You sir have reinforced my decision not to tackle the box except as a last resort.  Actually I had her out today at sustained expressway speeds, top off and with the distribution lever stuck at halfway it was quite comfortable. So knowing myself I'm better off not starting the box thing as i would probably get into all the other matters that don't really need attention. Waiting for the cable oiler to get.   How do I reach Yves?  What the heck, quarantined here in Michigan I've almost run out of things to do around the house so depending on what Ives says......Jeff..... 

[Xhafer Orhan]

Jeff,  How stupid of me not to understand the significance of the cite you gave.  Went there and I see what you mean about Ives.  Thanks jeff...........

[jeffc280sl]

Excellent news.  You're welcome

[Xhafer Orhan]

Jeff..Those are some right on photos &  comments.    I feel somewhat like the guy who said, It didn't help that his original intent was to drain the swamp when he found himself up to his neck in alligators.  What a job.  I'll have to sneak up on it when I'm feeling brave (or stupid) enough to open up this can.  Thanks  Again    Jeff.........