Removal of oil line at cluster on 380SL?

[pfbraun]

On my 1984 380SL, I want to know how the oil pressure hose on the back of the gauge disconnects. Tugging on the black hose (moderately and gently) didn't work. Using an 8mm wrench on the nut seemed only to loosen the gauge inside the console. I need to move the gauge/console out of the way to work on the windshield wipper arms. Alternatively, I may leave the oil line attached and simply use fishing line to suspend the console out of the way by hanging it on the review mirror, although this really isn't my preference. Besides, now is the time to learn how to disconnect the thing. Thanks in advance for the help. Paul

[pfbraun]

Phrased another way: Has anyone removed the instrument cluster from a mid-80's SL and in doing so removed the oil pressure line from the back of the oil pressure gauge? Does the hard-plastic delivery line simply come in and out of the small black rubber hose that's firmly connected to the gauge? Or is there some other way to disconnect the line from the gauge not readily seen?

[Don350SDL]

I think that's exactly how it comes out - pull the hard plastic line from the rubber line. I did this once on a car - it was tight (with all that oil, you'd think it's slip out...) but I don't remember what kind of MB it was.

Don

[pfbraun]

Don -- You hit the nail on the head. My greatest concern rest on whether that plastic tube would ever be secure enough just popped into that black tube. It seems both logical and illogical. And as for MB, so simple (and on the surface risky) a way of addressing so vital an oil delivery system for gauge reading seemed unlikely. I know on many other gauges I've rigged (farm tractors and the like), knurls are involved with lock-down nuts (similar to flairs). Thanks for the vote of confidence--will continue toward the main problem, which I have now been able to see clearly: a wiper bolt dropped free of a bracket that rendered the wipers to go 'round but halfway. I confess working on my SL's is a labor of love, and I'm far from griping. One of its pleasures comes from communicating with other MB enthusiasts. Thanks for the help. Paul