Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ollie on April 08, 2019, 01:19:32

Title: Oil in the footwells
Post by: Ollie on April 08, 2019, 01:19:32

I just pulled my 1967 250 SL from winter storage and there is moisture in the drivers footwell that soaked up into the carpets!
My first thought  was water, but that seemed very unlikely in the dry storage facility with the soft top on. On further inspection it seems to be a light oily substance. I can not see any seeping from the clutch or brake pedals, so I am stumped. Any thoughts from the learned forum? Second to that, what would be the best way to clean the underpaying and carpets? Thanks.

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: mrfatboy on April 08, 2019, 01:45:46

I once saw a 230sl with a little puddle of fluid in the drivers's foot well.  It turned out to be a tiny leak from the tube connection of the clutch reservoir.

The fluid traveled down the tube through the firewall and puddled in foot well.

Or maybe fresh rat urine?🤪🤪🤪

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: Cees Klumper on April 08, 2019, 03:25:53

Coolant from the heater hoses/core?

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: Benz Dr. on April 08, 2019, 04:22:14

If it's oil corn starch works well to soak it up. Once dry it will vacuum up easily.

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: ja17 on April 08, 2019, 04:51:56

Yes, I agree with Cees, probably coolant. It is oily and clear.

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: WRe on April 08, 2019, 06:24:03

Hi,
I had it too and it came from a broken seal of the heater control valve. It dropped on my gas pedal and my toes, clear and oily.
...WRe

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: Ollie on April 08, 2019, 16:47:44

Thanks everyone for your replies.

 So, next question is obviously is how do I go about to fix this? Is this something an amateur like me can attempt or is best left for a pro to tackle? Is there any advice or a play by play in the technical section of the forum to help me out?

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: WRe on April 08, 2019, 17:20:14

Hi,
it will be hard but remove the underdash panel under the steering wheel and follow the marks under the dashboard. You can check the heater control valve through the opening on the firewall:  https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/HeaterControlValve.
...WRe

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: Ollie on April 10, 2019, 02:56:19

Thanks WRe, that is exactly what it is. I appreciate the help. (Does look like a finicky job!)

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: Paul & Dolly on April 10, 2019, 08:20:39

Ollie

Just have a look here in the Technichal manual , lots of info there.
Put "Heater Control Valve" in the search section.

The o rings harden and then leak,
It is reletively easy to service it, but a bit fiddley.
Hope this helps

Paul

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: stickandrudderman on April 10, 2019, 15:32:53

I would pressurise the cooling system and test for leaks that way.

Title: Re: Oil in the footwells
Post by: Jowe on April 10, 2019, 20:53:07

I had a similar experience the other day when I took my first spring ride. I got a splash on my foot and instant assumed it was a coolant leak from the heater core. Since i have an early 230, there isn't any opening in the firewall to check the heater valve. The only solution was to enter the cave under the dash. Eventually, I could remove the heater core. I will send it to a firm in Germany for refurbishment. I will report when it returns.