Injector Replacement/Seal RIng

I parked the 87 300TD wagon today for heavy maintenance. After doing all the filters etc, I decided I would clean the intake crossover manifold and remove two injectors that were seeping black fuel/oil at the base. I had picked up two steel rings that go at the bottom of the injector. This is my first venture into the injector area. Armed with my trusty socket and breaker bar, the injector broke free and came out. Unfortunately, the steel ring at the bottom seems stuck. Does it need to be muscled out or does the "prechamber" need to come out? Should I just torque the sucker back in and forget it? How common is this seepage?

All else went well and I am ready to put her back together after I hear back from one of our experts. The cross over tube was pretty well gunked up, especially right at the elbow where the EGR vents in. I had plugged it about 6 months ago, and just got around to opening up for a look see. Many thanks MercedesShop/PartsShop and members for the parts and guidance in this area!

BTW, I changed the oil while it was hot and I am letting it drip over night!

[CJ]

Deezel,
I recently replaced my injectors and I thought that the steel rings were frozen to the pre-chamber, but they are not. The way I got mine out was by using a "grab-it" tool. This is a tool that looks like a long spring with a lever on one end and on the othe is three little prongs that pop out, when you squeeze the lever. What I did was to stick the tool through the little washer, then I sprung open the three little prongs. I was not using the tool to actually pick up the washer. When the prongs are open, it pulls them right out. If this sounds crazy or you do not have the tool, take a coat hanger and bend the edge to make a teensy tiny hook. Slip this through the center and catch it on the underside when you pull the washer out. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
While you are doing the injectors, I suggest doing the cloth covered rubber hoses that go in between the injectors.

Thanx CJ! I had already tried pulling on it with a magnet and then a small 90 degree pick and it didn't come out. Since you confirmed that it should, I went back at it with my pick and really yanked on it, almost like a slide hammer. It popped out and there is some heavy oxidation around the edges, which explains why it was hard coming out.

I have already replaced the fuel lines not long after I bought the car, and will redo the lines I have just pulled off. I actually keep some in the glove box, including the end plug, just in case!

I really appreciate the quick response! My other question is how common is this type of leakage?

I'll finish up in the morning and be thinking of Larry Bible while I put my drain plug in!

[CJ]

I do not know how common the leakage is. I just replaced mine due to the mileage.