anyone ever played with the vacuum system in a Mercedes

The yellow plastic lines are the vaccum lines for the locking system. Each lock including the one in the trunk has it's own actuator. There is also a vacuum storage device in the trunk that looks like a giant egg crate which stores vacuum while the car is off, allowing you to lock and unlock your doors multiple times without running the engine. Basically, you need to buy a plastic Mity-Vac, some golf tees, plug off lines at certain points to isolate the different parts of the system and find out where it's leaking. Hope that helps.

But, to start with what's easiest.....the diesels have their own vacuum pump on the engine since they do not naturally produce any vacuum. Your car may or may not have that pump. You to find where the vacuum source starts (probably just two main lines starting somewhere) and follow them to all of the little rubber connectors where they branch off into all the other lines and make sure they are all connected properly and the rubber isn't dry-rotted causing the leaks. That stuff becomes extremely brittle after all these years.

Scott

 

Scottie, just saw this thread. I haven't had any vacuum issues (knock on wood) to deal with. Scott's recomendations sound good and he definitely is speaking from experience.
I'd be happy to give you a hand trying to track down the problem. Diet soda and pretzels are fine too. Just let me know and Mike at Overseas can get any parts you might need at good prices.

 

Here is a sneaky trick: Block the source of vacuum, whether a pump or intake manifold, then introduce freon into one of the vacuum lines at about 5 to 7 psi. Sweep around the car with a leak detector and you'll find the leak very quickly.

 

i have a few 380sl's that i parted out if you need any parts gimme a sign.


the AC systems on those cars can become VERY problematic and VERY expensive. IF and i stress IF your compressor is ok and the ac is still not cold its safe to assume the evaporator is busted.. very common issues with all 1972-1989 SL's.... not a cheap repair on those cars and unless the car is mint with low mileage probably not worth fixing ** for retail purposes of course.

not blowing out of the proper vents is very common with those too and is usually a fairly easy fix. my mechanic 'mercedes master tech' in pompano have fixed dozens of these for me... give mike or jeff a ring they work very fairly and are stand up guys.

rough idle is usually tune up related and also fairly easy. one thing i will tell you... it appears the car wasnt very loved for and if thats true i wouldnt spend a penny fixing it.. these cars have a major attitude problem .. once the problems start they are almost never ending.... i usually like to buy the super clean no issues or stories 560sl's... also, a 1981 380sl has a single row timing chain which was known to cause engine failure.... some were fixed under a recall but many were left untouched... dangerous motor from 1981 to 1983.. wasnt til 1984 that they went with the double timing chain.

nowadays i stay away from all 380sl's... 560's are much more reliable and have more power.. the 450sl's are solid made from 1972 to 1979.

 

you can find a brand new aftermarket top for around $300.. install is very simple on those and runs another $350 max.. my upholstery job comes by with this truck and completes the job in 5 hours max.

since you already have the dash cover and still not happy, your best bet is to find a used dash and that should not be a problem.. any mercedes graveyard will have one... very easy to install them too..... i have a 1984 380sl with 79k rebuilt title and a slipping transmission that i picked up for $1800.... light blue exterior, blue interior, blue top in good condition.... i believe the dash is perfect but ill have to make sure. drives great minus a slip once in a while... body is exceptional and so is the interior minus a really messed up wooden center console.

 

There are vacuum pods under the dash which operate your vent flaps. The diaphrams inside them are likely bad. Drop the kick panels on each side to access them. You should be able to attach a mity vac to see if they are operating properly. I believe some can be rebuilt and some you might have to buy new.

Good luck,

Scott

 

Scottie, this might interest you. My Condo neighbor has a 1985 560 SEL yellow with tan seats parked in his covered spot undisturbed for the past 3 1/2 years. He is currently living in Germany, and is seriously considering selling the car. Again, it hasn't been started for a very long time. But it will crank and run like a champ. Perhaps you may want to grab it for some parts commonly shared with yours. Send me a PM and i'll put you in touch with him.