Hey, What's This?

[Duncwarw]

So, I went looking for the Alda after reading thread after thread about it (including just removing it along with the pollution stuff).

It looks to me like on my '87 300D it's inconveniently located under the intake manifold. The light was fading and it was chilly out so I was eyeballing the sender screwed into the manifold. I took it out and cleaned it with carb cleaner and started up. I thought it started a little better but I can't swear to it.

Then I looked at a thing near the turbo that looked like an Alda to me.
The single pipe on it goes behind the air cleaner and when I tried to trace the other end it popped up from behind the air cleaner "box" with a split rubber sleeve on it. Clearly a coupling of sorts.

I started up and felt a slight vacuum on it so I stuck a golf tee in the end and went for a short drive. It felt stronger to me.

Forgive my simplistic experiment, but what is that thing and am I doing any harm by plugging that line until I can sort out where it's supposed to go?

Thanks

[babymog]

It sounds like you're looking at the wastegate, and the wastegate vacuum hose. Could be the EGR also, both are controlled by vacuum, the EGR is on top of the mess and the wastegate below.

The line is supposed to be plugged into a solenoid valve below the air filter system and air-flow sensor.

[Duncwarw]

Ah, thanks.

I suggest you find out what and where things are BEFORE you go out randomly plugging, removing and adjusting.

[Duncwarw]

Hence the post.

The line didn't go anywhere. It was loose under the air filter housing and when I pulled it up I found it terminated in a cracked sleeve of vac hose.

I plugged it because it was pulling vaccuum and that's never a good thing.
I get very little time with the car, especially in daylight, but I want to check over all of the plumbing and make whatever adjustments are needed ASAP.

I also need to get to MB and get the manual.