Cleaning gearbox ECU

[Bybuys]

I've read several of the threads on gearbox ECU's and the problems with oil seepage but can someone clarify something. The oil on my 230CLK on the connector and loom is apparent but there is not much at all around the pins of the ECU. I had gained the impression from other threads that when cleaing the ECU the cleaning fluid actually enters the unit itself but mine is totally sealed and the cleaning fluid just washes around the pins. Is this right or am I missing something.

 

[television]

The cover can be removed to clean them, but if not much fluid around the pins in the socket, I would not worry and just leave it. there are cases where the box gets a lot inside

 

[Bybuys]

Thanks again television. Just as a matter of interest how des the cover come off?

 

[television]

Thanks again television. Just as a matter of interest how des the cover come off?

Most of the covers have hidden clips that one must run a blunt knife around to find or there are many that need jamming open all at the same time, looking at the case should tell you where the seams are are and where the case separates

 

[Xtractorfan]

The inside of the ecu will be saturated in oil, the reason there is so little around the pins is because the oil runs inside the ecu casing, as malcolm has said the outer cover is clipped at each side about 20 cm from the edge, generally 4 clips..2 each side and they locate into slots cut out in the casing, lifting the outer cover with a blunt knife will open the cassette, and the innards can be extracted, wash with plenty of lighter fluid or switch cleaner,

 

[Bybuys]

My one frustration with forums is that there is very often no closure on issues and interesting topics come to an end without final feedback so.....
thanks Xtractorfan and television for the info. I did remove the cover of the gearbox ECU and it was bone dry which is definitely good news. I have cleaned the loom as far back as I can and especially the connector which was dripping with it. Hopefully when I go back to the indy the STAR will now be able to read original codes so heres hoping.... i'll report back with anything astounding..... again many thanks for the advice.
Steve

 

[television]

My one frustration with forums is that there is very often no closure on issues and interesting topics come to an end without final feedback so.....
thanks Xtractorfan and television for the info. I did remove the cover of the gearbox ECU and it was bone dry which is definitely good news. I have cleaned the loom as far back as I can and especially the connector which was dripping with it. Hopefully when I go back to the indy the STAR will now be able to read original codes so heres hoping.... i'll report back with anything astounding..... again many thanks for the advice.
Steve

I do agree with you about closures, but this forum is quite good in this respect when a thing has been solved.


If the wiring loom is not changed some fluid may still work its way up, but it does stop after a while. The fluid goes between the copper and the plastic covering

 

[Dale Minton]

Hi Malcolm, I hope you kept your toes warm this week and didn't have any aggro inflicted on you with this weather. Wanted to come back to you with regard to this 'non-centre vent operation' I'm suffering with the SL (the outside vents are always on, don't matter what you do with the thumbwheels - some sort of default mode??) All the vacuum pipes on the under bonnet manifold are connected ok, there's 5. Through an independent Merc specialist I use, I'm lucky enough to have been introduced to an air-con specialist. He informs me there's another vacuum manifold within the dash (I think he said on top of the heater box) which has many more of these small vacuum pipes attached, so the problem 'may' be there - but it's a bit of a bitch to get at. However, whilst in discussion with him I explained that the LED's within the HAV buttons are always on, this intrigued him somewhat. He suggested (sensibly so) that before we commence dismantling the dashboard, to get at the other manifold, that it's investigated why the HAV LED's are always on as this could be, or indeed point to the problem. As an electronics specialist, and an SL owner, have you ever come across this or have a clue to what the problem may be.
Regards Dale.

 

[premmington]

Re-seal with "tigerseal" (windscreen bonding sealant).

Clean with lighter fluid or switch cleaner, not agressive brake/clutch cleaner


http://www.remmington.plus.com

 

[Xtractorfan]

My one frustration with forums is that there is very often no closure on issues and interesting topics come to an end without final feedback so.....
thanks Xtractorfan and television for the info. I did remove the cover of the gearbox ECU and it was bone dry which is definitely good news. I have cleaned the loom as far back as I can and especially the connector which was dripping with it. Hopefully when I go back to the indy the STAR will now be able to read original codes so heres hoping.... i'll report back with anything astounding..... again many thanks for the advice.
Steve

One thing you have to remember here is that if you have oil in the loom and up as far as the ECU then you will have to renew the seals at the gearbox electrical connection..these ony cost about a fiver and will cure the oil leak problems.. A tip here is to disconnect the electrical connection/plug at the gearbox end and let it hang overnight and most of the oil will drip from it..clean the top /ecu connection well with a non drying switch cleaner and everything should work ok.
YOu will have to get the gearbox reset on a star diagnostic machine and you will be amazed at how smooth it runs..

 

[television]

Hi Malcolm, I hope you kept your toes warm this week and didn't have any aggro inflicted on you with this weather. Wanted to come back to you with regard to this 'non-centre vent operation' I'm suffering with the SL (the outside vents are always on, don't matter what you do with the thumbwheels - some sort of default mode??) All the vacuum pipes on the under bonnet manifold are connected ok, there's 5. Through an independent Merc specialist I use, I'm lucky enough to have been introduced to an air-con specialist. He informs me there's another vacuum manifold within the dash (I think he said on top of the heater box) which has many more of these small vacuum pipes attached, so the problem 'may' be there - but it's a bit of a bitch to get at. However, whilst in discussion with him I explained that the LED's within the HAV buttons are always on, this intrigued him somewhat. He suggested (sensibly so) that before we commence dismantling the dashboard, to get at the other manifold, that it's investigated why the HAV LED's are always on as this could be, or indeed point to the problem. As an electronics specialist, and an SL owner, have you ever come across this or have a clue to what the problem may be.
Regards Dale.

This post should be in the right place,,I cant remember at what points the LEDs come on or off, and it needs another SL owner to confirm what happens.
Can you please re post the question

 

[Dale Minton]

I was try'in to find you within the forum on a current thread + I thought the post was in the right place, it was under "Electrics, Vacuum, Ignition and ECU (wasn't it ?) - where should I post it ?? + do I have to type it out all again, please advise me - sorry to be a pain.
Dale.

 

[television]

Hello Dale I am pasting your post into a new thread where we can deal with it, we can solve the problem with a litle help from another 129 owner.