Evaporator Cleaner
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 3
2011 S550 4Matic
Evaporator Cleaner
My AC smells bad & I've never seen the condensation puddle under this car, I'm thinking that the Drain tube is plugged.
I bought a can of evaporator foam cleaner, but can't find where the tube exits the car. I removed the under covers, I still cant find it.
Can I spray this stuff through the top, front vents?
I want to unplug the tube first, that is why i was trying to access it from the bottom.
I bought a can of evaporator foam cleaner, but can't find where the tube exits the car. I removed the under covers, I still cant find it.
Can I spray this stuff through the top, front vents?
I want to unplug the tube first, that is why i was trying to access it from the bottom.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 16
From: Pasadena, California
S600
I had the smell problem too. my tubes weren't clogged so I have never physically searched for them, but I remember reading that they are directly under the condenser, which is under the dash in the center of the car. I believe you should be able to clear them from below the car.
to clean the condenser: Remove the panel below the glove box, detach the light connection, remove the cabin filters and spray the cleaner in the hole aimed to the left, toward the condenser. I used my camera to video the inside so you can see what's in there. Or try a small mirror. The Rear a/c, if your car has it, has it's own condenser in the center consul between the 2 front seats. I put it on recirculate and sprayed in the intake ports on the floor. Going from memory, but I think that's where they were.
to clean the condenser: Remove the panel below the glove box, detach the light connection, remove the cabin filters and spray the cleaner in the hole aimed to the left, toward the condenser. I used my camera to video the inside so you can see what's in there. Or try a small mirror. The Rear a/c, if your car has it, has it's own condenser in the center consul between the 2 front seats. I put it on recirculate and sprayed in the intake ports on the floor. Going from memory, but I think that's where they were.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 3
2011 S550 4Matic
I think I figured it out. On the passenger side, I removed the plastic cover under the glove box, peeled back the layers of carpet to expose the trans tunnel. The drain tube is the first thing you see. Black rubber hose, connects to the drain pan on the top & just dumps the water out of a hole in the trans tunnel. It isn't visible from underneath because the tube does not continue out of the body. It just sort of attaches like a grommet and the water just dribbles down uncontrolled. Seems sloppy to me.
I sprayed the whole can of evap cleaner into the drain hole, let it soak in.
The AC has a very pleasant, fresh smell now. see if it lasts
I sprayed the whole can of evap cleaner into the drain hole, let it soak in.
The AC has a very pleasant, fresh smell now. see if it lasts
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 16
From: Pasadena, California
S600
that's good to know, thanks! The only thing that has helped keep mine from smelling again is turning off the AC when you're about a mile or more from home, let the fan blow with recirculation mode turned off. This allows fresh air in and dries up the condensed water left in the pan and on the condenser. It's a pain because you have to use the command knob to enter the menu to turn off and on the a/c, but it helps.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 2
From: Detroit
2007 S550 RWD
I have searched heaven and Earth to find this information.
Thank you.
Going to go buy foam cleaner to perform this function to get the vinegar smell out of the EVAP coil when using the A/C.
Thank you.
Going to go buy foam cleaner to perform this function to get the vinegar smell out of the EVAP coil when using the A/C.
Last edited by MAILMAN-313; Sep 11, 2024 at 10:44 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,316
Likes: 1,673
S500
but the drain hole is just that - its doesn't need to be anywhere near the evaporator ? just the bottom of a bucket that somewhere has the evaporator
unscrew trim part at lower part of dash above passenger's feet - and look up to find the pollen filter (filters if rear AC too), take it / them out and you'll be able to spray foam / other monster killer direct on the front one, (and aim back using full rear fan speed to hope it lands where it needs to - if you get the optional rear AC evaporator)
what you smell is dead skin cells / other filth rotting, and legionella trying to kill you - best to kill as much as you can, then freeze the rest to death by NEVER turning off the AC compressor whenever the vehicle is used (note: below 3C ambient temps it will turn off the compressor to avoid wind chill freezing up the condenser)
.
unscrew trim part at lower part of dash above passenger's feet - and look up to find the pollen filter (filters if rear AC too), take it / them out and you'll be able to spray foam / other monster killer direct on the front one, (and aim back using full rear fan speed to hope it lands where it needs to - if you get the optional rear AC evaporator)
what you smell is dead skin cells / other filth rotting, and legionella trying to kill you - best to kill as much as you can, then freeze the rest to death by NEVER turning off the AC compressor whenever the vehicle is used (note: below 3C ambient temps it will turn off the compressor to avoid wind chill freezing up the condenser)
.
Last edited by BOTUS; Sep 11, 2024 at 01:17 PM.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 179
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From: Minnesota
2023 EQS580 SUV, 2010 S550 4M,2004 S430 4Matic(traded), 2024 GLE350 (traded), 2020 GLS450(traded)
I did it. Kool-it Evaporator cleaner through cabin air filter inlet. Sprayed and let it deformed for 20 minutes, turn the car on and AC on for 5 minutes. Driving for 20 minutes. Breathing fresh air without odor smell for now. By the way, new air filters and cabin air filters too. It's good for now. May be doing next spring/summer again.
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Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
From: Portland, Oregon
2009 S600 V-12
that's good to know, thanks! The only thing that has helped keep mine from smelling again is turning off the AC when you're about a mile or more from home, let the fan blow with recirculation mode turned off. This allows fresh air in and dries up the condensed water left in the pan and on the condenser. It's a pain because you have to use the command knob to enter the menu to turn off and on the a/c, but it helps.
JR
Last edited by johnnyrocket52; Oct 15, 2024 at 02:26 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,316
Likes: 1,673
S500
turning off AC is the entire reason the bugs grow - with it always running they freeze to death
if you already caused the growth of too many bugs (by fiddling about with it) get it cleaned - then leave it on and alone
if you already caused the growth of too many bugs (by fiddling about with it) get it cleaned - then leave it on and alone
