Author Topic: 230SL info (Read 16703 times)

Benz Dr. · « **on:** August 14, 2004, 15:56:32 »

Hi all,
I just found an original 230SL sales catalog from 1963. There's a number of interesting things said about the car but the pictures tell the story. In one section there's a very good picture of the engine bay. This is what I can see:

The whole engine bay is painted white which follows what we already know but some parts are not painted. The hood hinges are painted but the housing around the air filter canister is all black. The battery hold down is also black as well as the aluminum hood latch. There are 4 rubber blocks that the hood closes on to.
Most of the engine hardware is a combination of zinc chromates or just zinc plating. Oddly the throttle linkage appears to be black oxide. The hood prop rod is not painted but the end going down to the resting block looks white although it could be not painted. The centre of the prop rod under the hood has two rubber buffers on it. The rad overflow tank is black but doesn't have the square pressed in area. The rad cap is zinc plated. The hose running from the rad to the over flow tank runs under all the pipes and is held in place by two tie straps on the injection pipes. The line going to the cold start valve isn't with all the other lines but is seperate and runs around the back of the engine. This line has a rubber part which starts under the rad overflow tank and so it must be held in place in that area and the rubber part is there so it can flex as the engine moves around.
The battery is made by Varta and is black with yellow caps. The brake booster is black with a blue and white lettered lable on the top centre. There's also a red lable on the rad to the left of the top hose conection. The part number for the upper rad hose can be clearly seen in white printing. The black covers are present above the subframe mounting holes. All of the hose clamps are zinc plated. The relays are black as well as the clip that holds th tack cable in place. The aluminum braket that the brake booster mounts to is black. The small bracket for the windshield washer is black as well as the small clip or bracket that goes where the prop rod sits. This small part sits on top of the gray plastic piece. There is no saftey strap.

There could be more things in this picture but the early cars are very much different than the later ones. I'll try and make the picture available if I can.

Daniel G Caron

J. Huber · « **Reply #1 on:** August 15, 2004, 09:56:07 »

Hey Dan, thats cool stuff (especially since I have an early 63). Most of it sounds like mine. Of course, after 40 years things probably look a lot different. I'd love a copy or a photo. Thanks.

I have always known mine has different features than later cars -- not just in engine bay but around the car in general. Its kind of fun being the first edition...

James
63 230SL

Ben · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2004, 02:34:25 »

Interesting indeed !

it would be great to see that picture Dan !

It does sound mainly like my '64,

quote:
The hood hinges are painted but the housing around the air filter canister is all black

Most of the engine hardware is a combination of zinc chromates or just zinc plating
The centre of the prop rod under the hood has two rubber buffers on it.

The hose running from the rad to the over flow tank runs under all the pipes and is held in place by two tie straps on the injection pipes

The line going to the cold start valve isn't with all the other lines but is seperate and runs around the back of the engine. This line has a rubber part which starts under the rad overflow tank and so it must be held in place in that area and the rubber part is there so it can flex as the engine moves around.

The black covers are present above the subframe mounting holes.

.......all the above are like my car !

I've always been convinced that some of the parts on my engine bay were never CAD plated yellow at all. I know the stuf wears off but mine doesn't look like it was done where most are !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

Albert-230SL · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2004, 03:08:54 »

Hi Dan,

Do you mean this attached picture?

I think we should not use it as a model for everything, because it seems a pre-series 230 SL: There's no white strip in the system that holds up the hood (the strip that limits the opening of the hood), and there are 4 rubber hood bumpers, when according to the Spare Parts List of the car, there should be only three... So...

Regards

Download Attachment:

Foto-motor-cataleg.jpg
77.76 KB

Albert de la Torre Chavalera
Barcelona (Catalunya/Spain)
Feb.'64 230 SL Euro 113042-10-002432

Naj ✝︎ · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2004, 07:35:16 »

Anybody have a picture taken from the other side of the engine?

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

bpossel · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2004, 09:32:32 »

The information and picture are great!

Can the same information and a picture be posted for the later 280SL's?

Thank you!
Bob

quote:
Originally posted by Benz Dr.

Hi all,
I just found an original 230SL sales catalog from 1963. There's a number of interesting things said about the car but the pictures tell the story. In one section there's a very good picture of the engine bay. This is what I can see:

The whole engine bay is painted white which follows what we already know but some parts are not painted. The hood hinges are painted but the housing around the air filter canister is all black. The battery hold down is also black as well as the aluminum hood latch. There are 4 rubber blocks that the hood closes on to.
Most of the engine hardware is a combination of zinc chromates or just zinc plating. Oddly the throttle linkage appears to be black oxide. The hood prop rod is not painted but the end going down to the resting block looks white although it could be not painted. The centre of the prop rod under the hood has two rubber buffers on it. The rad overflow tank is black but doesn't have the square pressed in area. The rad cap is zinc plated. The hose running from the rad to the over flow tank runs under all the pipes and is held in place by two tie straps on the injection pipes. The line going to the cold start valve isn't with all the other lines but is seperate and runs around the back of the engine. This line has a rubber part which starts under the rad overflow tank and so it must be held in place in that area and the rubber part is there so it can flex as the engine moves around.
The battery is made by Varta and is black with yellow caps. The brake booster is black with a blue and white lettered lable on the top centre. There's also a red lable on the rad to the left of the top hose conection. The part number for the upper rad hose can be clearly seen in white printing. The black covers are present above the subframe mounting holes. All of the hose clamps are zinc plated. The relays are black as well as the clip that holds th tack cable in place. The aluminum braket that the brake booster mounts to is black. The small bracket for the windshield washer is black as well as the small clip or bracket that goes where the prop rod sits. This small part sits on top of the gray plastic piece. There is no saftey strap.

There could be more things in this picture but the early cars are very much different than the later ones. I'll try and make the picture available if I can.

Daniel G Caron

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2004, 09:44:33 »

That's the picture! Having the book really helps because you can see more of the fine detail but this should be helpful to anyone with an early car.
There's likely to be someone who has the same thing for a later car. Anyone have that?

Daniel G Caron

Jonny B · « **Reply #7 on:** August 16, 2004, 10:33:14 »

There is another discussion string on the site about the engine bay. I found the link to a newer picture. Also an excellent reference for the newer cars.
http://www.ritzsite.demon.nl/280SL/MB280SL3.htm

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

J. Huber · « **Reply #8 on:** August 16, 2004, 11:39:07 »

Well, armed with the photo, I just went and compared it to my '63 (000871). Quite a few similarities but also some differences.

My overflow tank is not smooth -- its a Behr and has some undulations. My CSV plumbing is routed differently. My breather hose is slightly different where it ties into venturi. Mine also has a large condensation tube that runs from the back of the manifold over the head and over to the brake booster area. My washer bag is different and my washer pump unit sticks straight off the Body number plate (driver's side).

Similarities include no heater access plug (although I ended up adding one after a mechanic cut a hole in the firewall to get to the bloody thing). A straight edge on the firewall lip. I have only seen this a few times. Mine has no safety strap either and has the two rubber bushings on the hood rod. I cannot say for sure whether I had 3 or 4 rubber pieces on the firewall originally. I now have only two!

James
63 230SL

Naj ✝︎ · « **Reply #9 on:** August 16, 2004, 12:09:38 »

James,
What's a condensation tube? What does it do?
Any pictures?
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

J. Huber · « **Reply #10 on:** August 16, 2004, 13:19:10 »

Hey Naj.

Glad to see you were paying attention! Well, I have labeled it that without really knowing what it does. It has been a topic of conversation before (I think at P113) and I recall it collected something. It is a large hose may 3/4 in diameter that ties into a dangling plastic resevoir that also y's into the booster. Please feel free to correct me if I mislabeled it.

James
63 230SL

Ben · « **Reply #11 on:** August 17, 2004, 02:19:01 »

My car sounds a lot like J.Hubers but I need to correct myself, my CSV fuel pipe DOES run to the front, across the manifold with the crank breather tube and then gathers with the rest of the injector piping as per normal.

My header tank sounds like James also being black "Behr" but its not smooth.

My washer bag sits lower too though I cant quite remember what it attaches to !

I also dont have the firewall grommet !

quote:
A straight edge on the firewall lip. I have only seen this a few times.

........can you explain this one a bit more James ??

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

rwmastel · « **Reply #12 on:** August 17, 2004, 06:32:11 »

James,

This is your brake booster vacuum hose that provides "power brakes". The vacuum in the intake manifold assists in the braking system. The little plastic collector is just a collector for any fumes that may be drawn into the line from the intake manifold. The fumes (oil, fuel, etc.) condense and collect in the little bottle, which should be at the low point in the line. This keep the brake booster clean of these substances.

Thanks,

quote:
Originally posted by J. Huber

Hey Naj.

Well, I have labeled it that without really knowing what it does. It has been a topic of conversation before (I think at P113) and I recall it collected something. It is a large hose may 3/4 in diameter that ties into a dangling plastic resevoir that also y's into the booster. Please feel free to correct me if I mislabeled it.

James
63 230SL

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420

Naj ✝︎ · « **Reply #13 on:** August 17, 2004, 06:54:02 »

Is this 'condenser' pipe an early 230 feature?

My 230 does not have it.

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

Ben · « **Reply #14 on:** August 17, 2004, 06:55:02 »

Mmm I dont have the bottle ! The only thing on the line from the manifold is a one way valve !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

George Davis · « **Reply #15 on:** August 17, 2004, 08:34:50 »

I want to say the condensate bottle in the booster line is an early 230 SL feature, discontinued somewhere along the way. I'll try to check Engelen's book for it.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

J. Huber · « **Reply #16 on:** August 17, 2004, 10:58:22 »

Ben, regarding the straight-edged lip: the best way to imagine what I am talking about is the raised metal rim that runs across the top of the firewall. Where the 3 or 4? rubber 50mm hood stoppers rest. Most have a curve where the heater access plug goes. Mine is straight. No plug (originally).

Rodd, I believe you are right on in your description of the plastic trap. Thanks.

James
63 230SL

Naj ✝︎ · « **Reply #17 on:** August 17, 2004, 12:13:36 »

Early 230 straight lip:

Download Attachment:

039.JPG
45.39 KB

Later 230 with htr valve xs / grommet

Download Attachment:

Battle029.JPG
54.17 KB

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

Mike Hughes · « **Reply #18 on:** August 17, 2004, 13:16:57 »

I don't know how one differentiates "early" v.s. "late" 230SLs (other than by vertical v.s. horizontal spares!), but my 1966 230SL (horizontal spare) has the plastic condensate trap at a low point in the vacuum line to the booster.

- Mike Hughes -ô¿ô-
1966 230SL Auto P/S
Havanna Brown (408)
Light Beige (181)
Cream M-B Tex (121)

rwmastel · « **Reply #19 on:** August 17, 2004, 14:48:48 »

As does mine.

quote:
Originally posted by Mike Hughes

.... my 1966 230SL (horizontal spare) has the plastic condensate trap at a low point in the vacuum line to the booster.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420

J. Huber · « **Reply #20 on:** August 17, 2004, 14:58:57 »

While I always stunk at logic, the fact that James (63) Rodd (66) and Mike (66) have the traps, while Naj (65) doesn't, makes me wonder if it has to do with something else besides year? James, Rodd, and Mike are all automatics, but is Naj a stick? Or James & Rodd are Euros, what about Mike? and Naj? Who's on first?

James
63 230SL

George Davis · « **Reply #21 on:** August 17, 2004, 17:02:12 »

I found nothing on the condensate bottle in Engelen, but did notice that (a) the early 280 SLs "appeared" to have the same brake booster vacuum line, and (b) the brake booster was changed from 8" to 9" on LHD cars beginning with 280 SL chassis number 06619. That suggested that the condensate trap was eliminated when the booster was changed.

A quick look at the SLS on-line catalogue appears to confirm this: for 280 SL cars 06619 forward (with the larger booster), the booster vacuum line does not include the condensate trap, whereas all earlier cars have it.

It also appears the RHD cars didn't get the 9" booster; at least Engelen doesn't show that change.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

Mike Hughes · « **Reply #22 on:** August 17, 2004, 17:51:28 »

Mine is a U.S. spec model.

quote:
Originally posted by J. Huber

While I always stunk at logic, the fact that James (63) Rodd (66) and Mike (66) have the traps, while Naj (65) doesn't, makes me wonder if it has to do with something else besides year? James, Rodd, and Mike are all automatics, but is Naj a stick? Or James & Rodd are Euros, what about Mike? and Naj? Who's on first?

James
63 230SL

- Mike Hughes -ô¿ô-
1966 230SL Auto P/S
Havanna Brown (408)
Light Beige (181)
Cream M-B Tex (121)

Joe · « **Reply #23 on:** August 17, 2004, 19:27:17 »

I'm the one who started the thread on Dorian's site. My car is a '65 Euro, and it has the trap. The trap is plastic, and it is quite easy to see that one could simply discard it if it broke, and replace the two vacuum hoses with a single one, thus losing any evidence it had ever been there. So far, mine has not collected any condensation, and I'd not be afraid to take it out. The fact the later cars do not have this trap is (probably) a testament to its uselessness.
Joe2

A Dalton · « **Reply #24 on:** August 17, 2004, 21:09:08 »

The traps purpose is to separate gas fume/condensate from reaching the Booster/Master [ ruining the seals/diaphragm]
They were omitted from production as of Aug/70...

One usually does not see any accumulation as it gets sucked back into the engine when running.

News:

Author Topic: 230SL info (Read 16703 times)

Ben

Albert-230SL

bpossel

Ben

Ben

George Davis

George Davis

A Dalton