1999 E300 glow plug change/trap ox delete
 

Fellas,
I used the DIY article on the forum to change my glow plugs over the weekend. I have limited "shadetree" mechanics skills, and found the step-by-step instructions to be very thorough. Thanks again for posting the DIY instructions!

One question: Did anyone have an extremely difficult time removing the glowplugs after they had been unthreaded? I didn't have a problem backing the threads out, but the tolerence between the plugs and block was so small that it took me three hours to remove the glow plugs. The plug that is closest to the firewall was the worst to get out given that you cannot get any leverage due to the oil filter location.

Oxidizer Trap
My oxidizer trap was making a really nasty rattling noise during idle. I figured it was the element inside of it. I removed the "charcoal" looking stuff inside the can by shoving a long screwdriver in there and knocking the stuff out. It took a while, but now there is no noise. Further, the exhaust looks stock so no one can tell that I have changed anything. I didn't notice a change in performance or fuel mileage.

I find a lot of value in this forum. Have a good day.

Nope. I was fortunate. Did you ream the glowplug holes before reinstallation?

I didn't have the reamer. But, I used a heck of a lot of cue tips to remove the crap inside.

where is the trap oxidizer located? I was under the impression Mercedes did away with the Trap Oxidizers

It is located right after the turbo. It is a huge can that looks like a catalytic converter.

That's the cat dude...

I thought it was called an oxidizer trap? Nevertheless, it sounded like crap and I hollowed that thing out. I didn't really notice a change in smoke coming out the back.