R107 drain holes - What to clear out with

[phib]

I have just acquired a 1986 300sl, all is good apart from one minor irritating issue a blocked drain hole.

Its the one that goes from the fan blower box to the drivers side front wing, I have tried pushing, strimer wire and a brake cable from a mountain bike down it but I cant get either down far enough.

Its in a really difficult area to get to, has anyone managed to clear theirs out, failing model specific what have people used to clear out long drain holes ? Coat hanger wont work due to the bonnet being in the way !!

Any ideas very welcome !!

Phib

[MX-5 Lazza]

I have no idea what these drain tubes are like but on MX5s there are drain tubes that run from the back of the hood down to the under side of the car and the best tool to keep them clear is a trombone brush. Look them up on eBay.

[phib]

Many thanks for that, the trombone brush is exactly what I need !
Thanks
Phib

[PositronicRay]

I don't have an R107 or MX5. My drain holes are all clear as far as I know.

But just the realisation that a trombone brush exists, and looks useful for so many tasks makes my tool kit incomplete.

[P.Nott]

That particular drain hole can be very difficult to clear. If you can get access to a compressor, I've found that the best thing to clear them out and keep them clear.
Aldi often sell compressors for around £80 which are perfect for this task, as well as many others.

[phib]

Hi guys, just as an update .... what a horrid job !!

My solution was as follows, I bought a set of the heavy duty plastic ramps which worked a treat. Then got some heavy duty plastic tubing, attached an compressor to the other end and hey presto all clear !!!

Basically it was tow leafs that had blocked it, whilst I was there did all the other ones. Hey presto no more water ingress !!

The day after my trombone brush turned up so I may well try that as well .... just for good measure

Thanks for advice
Phib

[jdw1234]

Pics of your car please! They are lovely.

Have a look at the R107 thread in Classic Cars/Yesterday heros

[P.Nott]

Hopefully, the water lying in the heater box hasn't caused any corrosion in there. That is a notorious area for rot on the 107 and needs to be checked and drains cleared out fairly regularly to keep the car in tip top condition.

Because my 107 doesn't get much use, I tend to do this now as part of the annual maintenance and servicing. All these drain points on any Mercedes really ought to be listed down in the service schedule for regular checking and clearing if necessary. It makes such a difference to the life of the car and very often by the time the owner has noticed a problem, the rust has already got a severe hold.

Enjoy your SL, they are real head turners and great cars to drive.

[phib]

Fortunately, the water had only been in there a week as it has always been garaged, and there is no rust in there.

It was my number one concern when I bought it.

It has a couple of tiny issue commencement with it not being used very much over the last couple of years

Will post some photos ind due course

Phib

[acme]

Probably a stupid couple of questions, but is it easy to see the exit of the hole, presumably just inboard of the mudguard?

And if water poured into the grills in front of the screen comes out under the car they're not blocked?

Anyone removed the rubber bungs near the front, water always sits onboard of the house headlights due to the large holes at the front by the headlights?

[phib]

The ones I had an issue with were either side of the transmission on the transmission tunnel.

You can only get to them by getting the car up in the air

Phib