Well, having all the parts, I proceeded to re-install. After a few fumbles, I managed to get things put together. I just took the car for a short 3-4 mile test jaunt, and so far so good.
Some things I learned along the way:
1. Assume you will need to replace all soft parts - ETA gasket, rubber connector (connect ETA/Mass Airflow), breather tubes. Mine were all brittle.
2. Rubber and plastic parts are really hard to remove. I found prying or levering them off was a good way to go (and since I was replacing them, had less worry about potential damage).
3. Metric Allen socket heads and an extension are a must! The ETA bolts are a good 6"-8" below the surrounding area. They are the 5mm ones used all over these cars.
4. I was able to remove 24 and leave 24a (see diagram posted earlier in thread) in place and get out the ETA. 24a was looking like a PITA to remove. I don't have the right tool (a really, really deep socket).
5. Be careful of the thin, clear plastic vacuum tube running over the ETA. If you do break it, like I did, you can buy black, soft vacuum/washer spray tubing from the local auto parts store and use it to patch-it. Ditto the brittle, black vacuum tube I broke. I got also got some of the clear tubing that broke to patch the major portions and then used the black tuning to splice it in.
6. Oddly enough (or not), the main ETA connector passes through an opening near the firewall, like the main harness does, that is really not big enough for the connection-head. I had to actually pry the plastic (or metal) paneling that is attached to the firewall area. Strange...I also found it odd how sharp the plastic edges were for the plastic panel the holds the ETA cable a few inches before it passes through the afore mentioned too-small opening.
7. Be prepared to have tools the can loosen and tighten the 7mm bolts(hex/Phillips) on the hose clamps.
In general, there is very little space and it is fairly deep. Maybe I’m just a novice, but it was a PITA. But, as Gilly says, "It's a hell hole." I would have taken some photos, but I think the diagram posted earlier in the thread is likely more useful.
Between buying the rebuilt and doing it myself, I likely saved a good $1000-$1300. Worth the few hours of struggle....
Thanks for all for the help and advice. I greatly appreciate it! And, thanks to my wife with the much smaller and more dexterous hands, was able to help me in some of the tightest spots.
Hey, anyone here replace the a/c gasket in a 560SL!?!?!
