R129 - Replacement of the evaporator
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2026 8:48 am
I started removing the dashboard today, so I can finally begin replacing the evaporator. I have previously removed the wiper motor and blower motor assembly, which is how I found out the evaporator was leaking—I could see green dye marks. Next weekend, I will remove the wiper/blower motor.
I began at approximately 11 a.m. today and finished by 3 p.m. After spending an additional two hours removing the actuator vacuum pipes from the core heater block, I had the dashboard removed. I plan to disassemble the blower motor and other components next weekend, and after that, I might think about taking the heater core out of the SL.
What I've learnt
1. First, I started by removing the battery. Then, I took out the battery tray, which had two rust spots and some rust on the drainage port; I'll fix that while I'm there. This was the beginning of mission creep.
The T30 airbag housing came off the steering wheel in five seconds with the impact gun; in the meanwhile, I read some terrible stories.
3. I accomplished this task while the hardtop was on top of the car. It's not hard at all; the only thing you need to remember is to lower the windows just enough to open the door without the battery being connected.
4. The airbag cover can be easily removed by removing the two bolts located on the left side air vent and the center air vent. After that, the bolster can be removed from the passenger side.
5. I was unable to locate any information in any online forums regarding the removal of the hand brake handle and the light switch on the right.
6. How many vacuum lines and actuators are all the way to the center? It's mind-boggling, and I was able to remove each one without damaging the actuator or the clip. Here's hoping they all stay put for a long time.
7. The steering wheel is in need of refurbishment due to cracked leather at the top.
8. I need some ideas for what to use to make the dashboard look new again; it looks alright, but the foam on the inside is mostly gone.
9. There was a surprising amount of additional wiring to manage when I installed an aftermarket stereo and video recording system.
In order to remove the steering wheel cover, ten.
11. I haven't had any problems with the lock mechanism thus far; I simply left my key in the ignition while the wheel was unlocked, despite reading numerous horror stories about it.
12. While I was at it, I fixed the sliding arm rest; it had been broken before, but this time I'll make sure the tray is properly sealed. I also vacuumed up some hair and dust that had settled on the underside of the seat from the last 30 years.
12. Are you aware that I discovered a dozen paper parking tickets tucked away in the farthest recess of my windscreen?
I began at approximately 11 a.m. today and finished by 3 p.m. After spending an additional two hours removing the actuator vacuum pipes from the core heater block, I had the dashboard removed. I plan to disassemble the blower motor and other components next weekend, and after that, I might think about taking the heater core out of the SL.
What I've learnt
1. First, I started by removing the battery. Then, I took out the battery tray, which had two rust spots and some rust on the drainage port; I'll fix that while I'm there. This was the beginning of mission creep.
The T30 airbag housing came off the steering wheel in five seconds with the impact gun; in the meanwhile, I read some terrible stories.
3. I accomplished this task while the hardtop was on top of the car. It's not hard at all; the only thing you need to remember is to lower the windows just enough to open the door without the battery being connected.
4. The airbag cover can be easily removed by removing the two bolts located on the left side air vent and the center air vent. After that, the bolster can be removed from the passenger side.
5. I was unable to locate any information in any online forums regarding the removal of the hand brake handle and the light switch on the right.
6. How many vacuum lines and actuators are all the way to the center? It's mind-boggling, and I was able to remove each one without damaging the actuator or the clip. Here's hoping they all stay put for a long time.
7. The steering wheel is in need of refurbishment due to cracked leather at the top.
8. I need some ideas for what to use to make the dashboard look new again; it looks alright, but the foam on the inside is mostly gone.
9. There was a surprising amount of additional wiring to manage when I installed an aftermarket stereo and video recording system.
In order to remove the steering wheel cover, ten.
11. I haven't had any problems with the lock mechanism thus far; I simply left my key in the ignition while the wheel was unlocked, despite reading numerous horror stories about it.
12. While I was at it, I fixed the sliding arm rest; it had been broken before, but this time I'll make sure the tray is properly sealed. I also vacuumed up some hair and dust that had settled on the underside of the seat from the last 30 years.
12. Are you aware that I discovered a dozen paper parking tickets tucked away in the farthest recess of my windscreen?
