[GrahamT]

Any of you old school guys know if there are parts missing in the attached photo. I questioned it when I first saw it but was reassured by the seller that it was the way it was supposed to be but now I am wondering again. I cannot find any pictures on the net that show a hole, just a plate covering the whole area....???
(1980 300GD)

 

[DUTCH]

GrahamT - 4/5/2006 7:36 PM

Any of you old school guys know if there are parts missing in the attached photo. I questioned it when I first saw it but was reassured by the seller that it was the way it was supposed to be but now I am wondering again. I cannot find any pictures on the net that show a hole, just a plate covering the whole area....???
(1980 300GD)

That hole won't do any good for your fresh air cabin cooling ventillation this summer. If you can't determine what it's for, I'd recommend covering it up; or your engine compartment heat will keep you hot and bothered this summer.

 

[GrahamT]

It did get a bit toasty on the highway today ...


Graham

 

[4x4abc]

definitely a custom hole

Harald

 

[GrahamT]

I do not understand, why there ?

Close up...

 

[Thomas.Schumacher]

That is very odd. No reason that I can think of for having a hole there. It look covered with rubber, so it might have been some sort of (very large) entry for something electical. Does the hole occur again on the under dash area, or just through the vent box? You likely get a blend of engine aroumas coming at you, and your cabin smells like a Uboot engine room.

ende

 

[Wolf]

From memory, some of the after-market W460 air conditioning systems placed the evaporator in the cabin air inlet well. Guess the refrigerant pipes could have entered and exited from such a hole. Coming from Canada, could some sort of an after-market cabin heater have been fitted in the inlet well?

 

[Dai]

This could be an air intake hole for the motor. It would work a little bit like a snorkel. Non stock. Probably noisy. Just an idea!

-Dai

 

[Desertstar]

I pulled up your VIN to see your options in order to get a clue...no clue. However, I am curious as to whether your G was repainted as Vin shows color to be 9001 which I believe is creamy white. If not repainted did you check Vin number on right front chassis rail that matches that of title ? I was curious if this was some government agency vehicle or the like which might have some special device at one time. I am very intrigued with the unknown, as on my G I have found mystery wires and the like.
Please keep us posted of your findings.
Mike

 

[GrahamT]

That is very odd. No reason that I can think of for having a hole there. It look covered with rubber, so it might have been some sort of (very large) entry for something electical. Does the hole occur again on the under dash area, or just through the vent box?You likely get a blend of engine aroumas coming at you, and your cabin smells like a Uboot engine room.

This is the only hole I can find. There are smells that remind me of old boat bilges !

From memory, some of the after-market W460 air conditioning systems placed the evaporator in the cabin air inlet well. Guess the refrigerant pipes could have entered and exited from such a hole. Coming from Canada, could some sort of an after-market cabin heater have been fitted in the inlet well?

It likely is not relevant but it is straight from Europe, via Georgia, U.S.A.

I am now wondering if it was an attempt to get warmer air into the cabin, like a "pre heat" ? The exterior, top vent is open though so it seems like it would just reduce the pressure of air flowing into the cabin. I am going to cover and seal it as you recommend Dutch.

--Graham

 

[Ed Mclass]

On the old 60's sedans there was a flap from the engine compartment to the heater fan to circulate warm air into the cabin from the engine. Not a great idea! The feature was discontinued in 1965. That is what your hole reminds me of. [:0]

 

[Tomi]

My guess based on the size is that there was a pipe for air intake (like someone already suggested) for the engine.

Actually might not necessrily be totally stupid idea. But if you are not using it, cover it. Otherwise you'll be sucking in all escaped engine exhaust and oil fumes etc. instead of fresh air.

-UG-

 

[Fenalaar]

I wonder if this is an a variation on the fix to the problem with ice buildup on the windscreen during snowy weather and cold temperatures.

Basically, what happens in an unmodified G-wagon, is that with the heater going, the snow will melt on the windscreen and ice will start to build up on your wipers.

A vent from the engine compartment will let hot air from the engine across the windscreen and melt the ice.

Johan-Kr

 

[GrahamT]

I pulled up your VIN to see your options in order to get a clue...no clue. However, I am curious as to whether your G was repainted as Vin shows color to be 9001 which I believe is creamy white. If not repainted did you check Vin number on right front chassis rail that matches that of title ? I was curious if this was some government agency vehicle or the like which might have some special device at one time. I am very intrigued with the unknown, as on my G I have found mystery wires and the like.
Please keep us posted of your findings.

Yes it was repainted but the last colour ( first ? ) was green. ( My neigbour referes to the colour it is now as anti theft paint (a bit too limey green)) I noticed the 9001 colour mismatch as well when I first got the vehicle. I will recheck my #s.

 

[Thomas.Schumacher]

I really like the idea that it is a home made defroster heat boaster. Only a cold weather owner would know that.

The engine air intake notion also has validity. Only a little improvement in the height of the air intake, but there is certainly the advantage of the air box that would protect from sucking in water.

Do you have a photo of inside the box? Any evidence of a baffle that might have lived in there at one time?

Ed, I have no recollection of an engine compartment- to-passenger compartment air duct. What year was that? Between my brother and I, we owned a 300d limo, and at least 5 other 1960's vintage fins, S models, and W114/5's. I can not recall such a device. Could the old panton bodies of the late fifties and early sixties have such a device? Seems possbile, if not potentially deadly.

 

[nuncanadamas]

I friend of mine had a similar modification on his G and the hole was indeed used as air intake for wading etc.

I suggest closing it before you start breathing exhaust gasses...

Nunca

 

[Thomas.Schumacher]

Nunca,

That is great news and would likely work well.

I think we should have a "Stump the Stars Award" on this forum. You know, someone has a mystery part or modification that defies immediate reason. As others offer possibilities, the winner would get a liter or quart of Redline 75-90, or something like that.

Cheers!

 

[GrahamT]

Here is the inside, other then the white dobbs of stuff I cannot see any thing strange (not that I would know...) Would the hole not just about eliminate any air that might flow into the cab unless the fan is on ? ( I cannot tell as my blown (blowless ?) blower motor is the NEXT project) Do the inside vents (not heated) get air from here ?

 

[gwagoncar]

Nothing in my books or on the 2X 460s of mine.

Remove the grommet or plug and look to see if it is aproper factory cut circle/shape with non jagged edges and painted in the origional colour before any repaint.

The insulation is badly cut so anything in there is non standard in some way.

Had anybody fitted a pipe from the hot exhaust to the heater inlet to form a heater if yours say is not working.

Whatever wont help much and may upset natural air flow due to low pressure under car sucjing from the engine bay ,

Use a pair of large washers and a bolt to cover it in and fasten it up.

Dave

 

[JMKOZ]

The Australian delivered G's of the early 80's were all fitted with air-conditioning and this was a hybrid system of MB under-bonnet fittings and after-market interior fittings. These systems had a two condensors - one in front of the radiator and the second in the top of the air intake. I can't remember if the pipes enter exactly as shown in this post but will have a look tonight and post a photo if relevant.

I hope that this helps

John