Hi guys,

87 300DT Sedan
OM603 engine

I'm going to remove my intake manifold to clean it out and to put a new gasket on the very well worn one that probably has not been changed. While its off, I plan to service:

- Alda: I plan to create a knob of sorts (not sure how, but thats the plan) so I can adjust the Alda more easily when the intake is back on.
- replace shut off seal o-ring
- general cleaning of area under intake manifold

The glow plugs work really well. I've never had a problem with them, so I'll leave well enough alone.

Are there other things I should repair/replace while the intake is off? Advice is greatly appreciated.

Oh, I've read a few threads where people wrote that they boiled the intake. Sorry if this is obvious to you all, but boil??!? Can't the intake be cleaned in a parts cleaner by submersing it in a Simple Green type cleaner?

Thanks,
Bob

Glow plugs.

Check the injector line clamps.

Consider replacing plastic sockets in the throttle linkage with metal sockets that are less likely come loose or apart. I replaced a cruise actuator rod with a rod with metal sockets last month after the plastic socket on the IP end wouldn't stay in place.

Consider replacing the plastic line from the IP to the filter mount.

You can make a bigger project out of it and reseal the IP. I don't know how long that IP's been in place but there's a chance the o-ring between the IP and the block will spring a leak if you have to turn the IP to adjust timing. All but the o-ring for the control rod sensor connector are available from the dealer, possibly from Phil or a Bosch shop. The part numbers are in the archives. The IP has to come apart to replace the control rod sensor o-ring. Wouldn't you know it's a common leak source :/ The o-ring for the shut of lever shaft is easy to match and easy to replace in situ.

Remove the cup around the ALDA adjustment screw then affix as nut to the screw. That should simplify adjustment to a two wrench job similar to working valve clearance. As it is it's impossible to turn the adjustment screw given the clearance under the intake manifold. If you want to get fancy, drill an access hole through the intake manifold right above the adjustment screw like the hole through K-Jet air cleaners to adjust the MAF plate rest point. I don't know how to make a knob work because you need to lock the adjustment screw in place.

The Rube Goldberg in me wanted to fit inclined washers between the ALDA and IP. Fix one to the ALDA and one to the IP. Turning the ALDA raises or lowers it relative to the IP. No futzing with the adjustment screw.

Sixto
87 300D