603 - broken injector lines - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dlssmith · #1 10-18-2005, 10:46 PM

Two weeks ago, pulled up to a stop light and the engine was running rough. Looked under the hood and saw number four injector line broken completely off - fuel spraying all over. Ordered line, changed, all good.

Today - same thing, number five line broken at the pump. I don't think I bumped it when changing the number four, but could be...

What are the chances of these lines failing one after the other like this - and more importantly, should I just change all the injector lines as a preventative?

t walgamuth · #2 10-18-2005, 11:03 PM

be breaking. i would guess that they have been removed and replaced without their clamps that isolate them from each other or are in a bind. if they dont look right i would perhaps replace them all. if you post a pic folks can tell you if they look right or not.

tom w

whunter · #3 10-18-2005, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlssmith

What are the chances of these lines failing one after the other like this - and more importantly, should I just change all the injector lines as a preventative?

Normal, and yes, change all of them + all of the holder/ isolator clips.

This is a OM603 thing.

t walgamuth · #4 10-19-2005, 12:27 AM

i have noticed that the 603 lines are a lot smaller than the older ones. so i guess this is the result. they are a wear item then?

tom w

pmari · #5 10-19-2005, 12:46 AM

Ughtoh...... What is time frame on this routine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Normal, and yes, change all of them + all of the holder/ isolator clips.

This is a OM603 thing.

ccooper · #6 10-19-2005, 01:16 AM

I've run into the same problem with my SDL. As the other posters mention, it's a 603 thing. In my first year of owning it, I went through 5 lines! Get the clips and isolators and you'll be a much happier camper. In the almost two years since I added mine, there have been no further breaks or nicks.

BTW, you may want to check things like the hydraulic lifters. On mine several are collapsed, creating a loud TAC TAC TAC noise. Not coincidentally, I've noticed very rough vibrations in the injector lines, which caused one of the PLASTIC clamps to break. No chafing, but now I have to keep an eye out.

t walgamuth · #7 10-19-2005, 07:42 AM

excellent info ... thanks

tom w

Habanero · #8 10-19-2005, 09:49 AM

I lost #5 after the mechanic replaced the head. I'm glad I decided to replace all of them at the same time; I didn't know this was such an issue on these engines.

I have mentioned it before, but a 3/16" brass compression fitting seals these lines nicely for a short-term solution. Mine broke right at the injection pump, and I just used a 3/16 ferrule and the original nut. It sealed very well for the 500 miles or so I had to drive until the lines came in. I carry a couple spare ferrules and a compression union with me now in case of emergency.

dlssmith · #9 10-19-2005, 10:14 PM

I will order new lines and spacers. They don't seem to hard to install, from looking at it.

I'll check the glow plugs at the same time.

73MB280SEL · #10 10-20-2005, 07:08 AM

I replaced all mine on an OM601 after springing a leak. It was not hard at all and not really expensive considering they last for a while. They are actually easier to replace all at once than individually because you can put them in from back to front. You'll need a crows foot and an assortment of different length wrenches (14MM I think) so you can get the little buggers tight..

Sholin

dlssmith · #11 11-23-2005, 08:32 PM

I replaced all the lines and clips. One of the lines was worn quite badly where it had been rubbing against the crossover. Curiously, I think they were the source of the fuel residue on the engine. I believe they were leaking slowly for some time. Anyway, it runs better and smoother now than before they failed.

jfikentscher · #12 11-24-2005, 08:12 AM

(((BTW, you may want to check things like the hydraulic lifters. On mine several are collapsed, creating a loud TAC TAC TAC noise.)))

PLEASE FILL US IN ON THIS ONE!!

dlssmith · #13 11-24-2005, 09:11 AM

I haven't checked the lifters since they don't really make any noise, unless it's been idling for awhile, and then it's only a slight ticking noise. I guess the oil pressure isn't enough to fully inflate the lifters when idling. But as soon as I rev it up a little the ticking goes away. I have yet to hear it when the engine is powered up. I doesn't seem to me enough noise to justify repairs. The PO took pretty good care of the car. It uses very little oil between changes, so the wear factor is small.

WANT '71 280SEL · #14 11-24-2005, 10:05 AM

About the lines, they won't break if you have all the clips and back pads installed properly. If you want to avoid this repair, check for all the clips and none of the lines should be touching anything but the pads and clips. The plastic clips I'm talking about hold the lines against a rubber pad. The lines can't touch each other or anything else if all the clips are installed.

Thanks
David

Hatterasguy · #15 11-24-2005, 10:55 AM

Yep they break its a 603 thing. I think I may swap a new set onto mine this winter for the heck of it.