[atmsmshr]

I've got a 75 CJ5 that is pretty much original and, when it is cold the heater, when at full speed with maximum heat, feels like a chihuahua panting on your leg.

Priceless :grin

 

[ML320driver101]

The ML finally has heat. Almost too hot
The heater core replacement/ replacement oil pan / coolant tank took around a week and half to complete.

It was one of my dads good friends he he charged us only $600 for everything!
He did us a huge favor by saving us some cash.

The ML runs good now and just need to solve a small coolant leak...
I think its a leaky freeze plug. But that is another mission


Also the ML is a fabulous in the snow

[/IMG]

 

[Merzatt]

Congrats. It looks like you need a lot of cabin heat.

 

[Neo7]

It's looking like I have the same problem :frown

The ML finally has heat. Almost too hot

Did your problem start with hardly any heat coming out of the heater?

it might be prudent when doing a coolant flush/refill to remove the coolant plugs from the engine block and thoroughly clean these passages.

Could you please tell me where these are located?

Many thanks
Neo

 

[Neo7]

3. By-pass the heater core and have no heater.

Where would you recommend I install a by-pass?

Need to buy some time to get parts and maybe get a reasonable quote to replace the core.

All the best.
Neo

 

[DrX]

Could you please tell me where these are located?

You can search the forum for this info. --> http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1898465-whats-origin-coolent-leak-2.html#post7648785

 

[Neo7]

Just thought ....On right hand drive ML's is the heater core on the left?
If so, I'm hoping it would be easier to change the core as many connectors and the steering column will be on the other side.

All the best.
Neo

 

[Noodles]

I wish it were that easy. On left hand drive MLs the relation to the HVAC box and steering is just a mirror image. The dash has to come out.

 

[RJV]

Where would you recommend I install a by-pass?

Need to buy some time to get parts and maybe get a reasonable quote to replace the core.

All the best.
Neo

Your windows are fogging up on the inside because the glycol leaking from your heater core is being misted by your heater and deposited on the glass (and also inhaled by you and your passengers as you drive). Some of the coolant is leaking down and out of the HVAC box into your footwell.

I replaced my heater core (DIY) in my 2001 ML55 about two months ago. Its a big job and MB say it takes 19 hours labour. I did it in about 13 or 14 hours as I recall because I took some sensible short cuts and if I had to do it again I reckon there are some more short cuts to be taken and I could do it in about 11 hours. I have about 90 photos I took during the work but I have been too busy to write it up properly (I've been rebuilding two SLKs). Its not difficult but you have to plan carefully and be highly organised - put all screws and parts in little labelled plastic bags, or if you have the room lay everything out on a table or bench in an "exploded view". No special tools required, other than some torx bits.

I only needed one part - the heater core - and as it makes no sense to install a used part you have to buy new. As I recall the price here in Australia was about AU$700+ and so I purchased from the USA for less than AU$300 shipped.

In a RHD car the heater core is just left of centre - about between the radio and the glove box. It is no easier to replace the core on a RHD or LHD car as the whole set-up is just a mirror image.

As to installing a by-pass (i.e. leaving the heater core out of the coolant circuit the best place for this is to disconnect the two hoses which connect to it at the firewall (in the engine bay) and with a short "U shaped" connecting pipe connect the two hoses together. If you use a straight connector you might find the hoses kink and stop the flow. By-passing can only be temporary as your windows will fog up for a few months of the year.

A few photos below to show you the scope of the job, the location of the heater core (see the aluminium top), and (in the engine bay) the two heater core pipes protruding through the firewall (hoses already disconnected).

Edit 1 : Here's an indicative price of a new item in Australia - AU$335 + 10% GST : http://www.genuineautoparts.com.au/...1-year/base-trim/5-5l-v8-gas-engine/hvac-cat/heater-scat/?part_name=heater-core

Edit 2 : or Euro 138 plus shipping from Germany : http://www.ebay.de/itm/WARMETAUSCHE...TAUSCHER-HEIZUNGSKUHLER-HEIZUNG-MERCEDES-BENZ-/121675737237?hash=item1c54706895

Edit 3 : or US$230 plus shipping from the USA : http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin...tion=&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=1638300061&I1.x=16&I1.y=6

 

[DrX]

It appears possible to access the heater core by only removing the upper dash panel. This member found a way: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1706293-heater-core-replacement-3.html#post5737839

In order to remove the upper dashboard, you first have to remove the instrument cluster and loosen the centre dash panel (with the radio and A/C controls). Then you remove the screw shown in the middle of RJV's 2nd photo, to remove the plastic cover to allow the heater core out. That member didn't find the screw under the foam gasket, so he broke the plastic cover trying to remove it.

Correction: The heater core can't be removed with the A/C unit in place, because it gets blocked by the windscreen ledge.

 

[gizmolibero]

RJV,
great job, hats off.

 

[43sqd]

To eliminate the misting of the windshield, remove the two hoses at the firewall and connect them together with the appropriate size hose connector.

 

[RJV]

It appears possible to remove the heater core by only removing the upper dash panel. This member found a way: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1706293-heater-core-replacement-3.html#post5737839

In order to remove the upper dashboard, you first have to remove the instrument cluster and loosen the centre dash panel (with the radio and A/C controls). Then you remove the screw shown in the middle of RJV's 2nd photo, to remove the plastic cover to allow the heater core out. That member didn't find the screw under the foam gasket, so he broke the plastic cover trying to remove it.

I can confirm it is possible (only just!) to remove the heater core without removing the steel framed dash carrier, heater box and wiring harness etc., but it is still necessary to remove the upper and lower dash panel and to unbolt the dash carrier at each end from the A pillars, from the steering column, transmission tunnel and the heater box. This task means the removal or unbolting of a lot of other nearby parts - heater controls, glove box, steering column, air bag etc, and even the wiper arms and wiper motor on the outside of the car.

This then allows the dash carrier to be pulled (i.e. flexed) far enough away from the firewall to allow the heater core to be pulled upwards from the heater box and to be squeezed out past where the bottom of the windscreen meets the firewall (back of the section which houses the wiper linkages).

If the dash carrier is not unbolted in this way it might be possible to remove the heater core but it, or the heater box, will almost certainly be damaged in the process and/or inserting the new and expensive heater core would be very, very difficult and the risk of damaging it, and/or the heater box is extreme.

See photo below :

 

[Neo7]

Hi Guy,

Thanks for all the info ... this is all Gold to me.

RJV would you have time to upload the 90 Photos to Photobucket or Google drive, or something? ... they would be very useful if/when I lose track on things.

Also, I want to do the foam on the dashboard air vent flaps at the same time ... I saw a thread on that somewhere but can't find it now?

Do I need to add anything else to my shopping/todo list in preparation for the core replacement?


All the best.
Neo

 

[DrX]

Also, I want to do the foam on the dashboard air vent flaps at the same time ... I saw a thread on that somewhere but can't find it now?

It's here: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w16.../w163-m-class/2218065-burning-smell-black-foam-particles-ac-2.html#post10788833

Instructions here: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1417771-diy-thread-collection-7.html#post5423844

 

[RG-1999ML320]

It's here: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w16.../w163-m-class/2218065-burning-smell-black-foam-particles-ac-2.html#post10788833

Instructions here: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1417771-diy-thread-collection-7.html#post5423844

I tried sending a PM to "mbenz80" who is the source of the vent seals, however, it seems mbenz80 has exceeded his stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until some space is cleared. Was there an unexpected influx of inquiries? I hope we can get info if he is still supplying the vent seals, and how much.

 

[Neo7]

It's too cool without the heater so I'm considering setting up a temporary electric heater. The ones I've seen are 150W/200W which I doubt with warm up a chicken nugget!... But I was just wondering when the airflow in the cab is switched to recycle where is the air intake vent located?

All the best.
Neo

 

[RJV]

It's too cool without the heater so I'm considering setting up a temporary electric heater. The ones I've seen are 150W/200W which I doubt with warm up a chicken nugget!... But I was just wondering when the airflow in the cab is switched to recycle where is the air intake vent located?

All the best.
Neo

On a right hand drive car (Australia) its on the far left behind the glove box - see it at top left in the photo below (glove box, dash panel and air bag removed).

 

[Neo7]

On a right hand drive car (Australia) its on the far left behind the glove box - see it at top left in the photo below (glove box, dash panel and air bag removed).

Hmmm ... Nothing is simple is it :grin .... Thanks RJV

I'm still looking for the best price on a replacement Core. AU$335 seems to be the lowest as many of the European suppliers won't post to Aus. But if anyone knows better please post up or send me a PM?... Thanks.


All the best.
Neo

 

[Neo7]

I'm in trouble now. I ordered my new Core from the US. It arrived yesterday (Here in Sydney) but was poorly packed which has damaged the aluminium top of the Core.

Supplier is not responding to my emails which is causing me great concern. :frown
Just wanted your thoughts and comments on this....