Some W123 questions... your wisdom please?

[BJ]

Firstly I think my a/c system is low on gas since it makes cool air but not really cold.

Now, I've realised that the centre vents makes a lot colder air than the vents on the front driver and passenger side.

I've driven with the a/c off for the last coupla days and with only the fan on, the air coming from the driver/passenger side vents are noticeably warmer than the air from the centre vents.

Now, I'm thinking that maybe the a/c system works correctly and that it's only the heater that is still kinda warm that warms up the air.

My car doesn't have climate control. Are there some kind of valve that's probably vacuum operated somewhere in the engine bay that I can force shut?

It's summer here and I won't be needing the heater for the next coupla months.

Also, my air recirculation valve is stuck shut. It's the one that closes when you turn the a/c's dial to "max". I gather that it's inside the dash. How difficult is it to get it open again?

And then also...

So my W123 has about 122k km (76k miles) on the clock and it has some play in the steering. It's not much, but it's enough for me to think that there's room for improvement. It's A LOT better than my W116, it's steering box is properly buggered.

So I've heard that the steering box can be adjusted to get rid of some of the play. How difficult / specialised is this? I will not attempt it myself, I will take it to a trustworthy mechanic.

Thanks!

[oscar]

Hi BJ

The way your vents behave is similar to my 350's but rather than me second guess what's going on check out Nutz's w123 forum.  There's heaps of articles and manuals info there. http://w123gassers.smfforfree2.com/index.php

Stick around here too though.  I'd especially like to hear what sclass says about the steering box.  (assuming he knows which I reckon is a sure thing) 

[BJ]

Hi BJ

The way your vents behave is similar to my 350's but rather than me second guess what's going on check out Nutz's w123 forum.  There's heaps of articles and manuals info there. http://w123gassers.smfforfree2.com/index.php

Stick around here too though.  I'd especially like to hear what sclass says about the steering box.  (assuming he knows which I reckon is a sure thing) 

I spoke to s-class on the phone the other day about my W116's steering box. He does seem to be a knowledgeable guy when it comes to steering boxes!

[gregdeklerk]

BJ, your heater tap is not closing properly, that is why you are getting hot air in. The tap is vacuum controlled, but you can close the tap with a cable tie. Take it to a mechanic to show you where the tap is and then just close it!!

[BJ]

BJ, your heater tap is not closing properly, that is why you are getting hot air in. The tap is vacuum controlled, but you can close the tap with a cable tie. Take it to a mechanic to show you where the tap is and then just close it!!

One of my friends pointed me to the "tap" on a picture. I'll try to close it manually some time today.

[s class]

He does seem to be a knowledgeable guy when it comes to steering boxes!

Thanks dude.  I'm still learning all the time, and I'm sure there is more to learn yet. 

Adjusting the steering box is a 10 minute job in a 123, but the problem is that usually the wear is sufficient that making the adjustment can't really make an improvement.  You're welcome to call me again if you like.