Oops, air intake elbow goofup - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

andrewjtx · #1 01-16-2010, 11:09 PM

Granted, I should've check the size of the gasket before I started tearing the old one out... BUT.

I had order the gasket from Fastlane for the air cleaner elbow to turbo connection. Fastlane showed only one part and the description led me to believe it was the smaller end. Not the side that connects to the air cleaner.

The gasket on the smaller end of the elbow had seemed hard and brittle with some stress cracks in it the other day when I had it off. So I check, <$9 part, so I ordered it with some other necessities. So I get and didn't even think about it being the wrong end.

I go take off my intake elbow, pry out the old small gasket (which crumbled after just a bit of prying) and grabbed the new part to install. DOH! It's the larger gasket. These parts are more clear on AllPartsExpress...

Anyhow. Here's my dilemma. I really need to be able to drive my car tomorrow. And can't do that without air filtration.

So the question is: Can I install the new gasket where it should go (the larger side) and cut down the old larger gasket to fit into the small end of the elbow? Is the original small-side gasket supposed to be softer, pliable rubber like the large side? Any issues with turbo heat on that gasket?

layback40 · #2 01-16-2010, 11:52 PM

As a temp repair I would use RTV until I had the new gasket. You could cut down the old one if it is still in reasonable condition & stick it all back together with RTV. There are those on here that will tell you not to & you should wait till the new gasket arrives, but when you are up to your neck in it, sometimes you need to work outside the square.

4x4_Welder · #3 01-17-2010, 02:05 AM

I'd go and get a roll of gasket paper ($3-$5 at Autozone) and spend some quality time with a hobby knife set and a good smooth cutting board. Either use the tube as a pattern, or if the old gasket pieces are big enough use those. The roll will give you enough material you can practice for a few days, and it's a handy thing to have.

Carpenterman · #4 01-17-2010, 10:15 AM

I just replaced both gaskets yesterday (the bottom gasket was hard as plastic) and I believe you can cut the upper one down to make a temporary bottom one. They appear to be the same thickness, although the upper one has a groove that the bottom one doesn't.

You'll have to be careful that the split gasket doesn't carry past the stop in the U tube when you push it on the turbo. BTW, the $9 gasket is the bottom one. The top one is around $4.

On a side note, the new top gasket was a real PITA to reinstall on the air cleaner fitting. I had to take the cleaner assembly off and try different ways (gasket in U tube, gasket on air cleaner, gasket seated, gasket partially seated) by pushing the U tube with the air cleaner assembly braced against a post. Finally got it, but I guess I'll be leaving the top clamped on and loosen the bottom one when I take the air cleaner off from now on.

What have you guys found to be the best procedure for reassembling the top gasket?

tangofox007 · #5 01-17-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carpenterman

What have you guys found to be the best procedure for reassembling the top gasket?

One option is to remove the lip from the U-tube. The seal can be installed on the filter housing, then the tube can be pushed over the seal. Even then, it's a challenge to get it on straight.

Once you get it on right, don't loosen the clamp again, ever. Just loosen the clamp at the turbo and remove the filter housing and tube as a unit.

andrewjtx · #6 01-17-2010, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carpenterman

On a side note, the new top gasket was a real PITA to reinstall on the air cleaner fitting. I had to take the cleaner assembly off and try different ways

...

What have you guys found to be the best procedure for reassembling the top gasket?

Well, I ran the car today with a tightly cut-down gasket from the top. I got around the issue of the groove in the old top gasket by inverting it after I cut to length. Smooth side to the turbo inlet.

I ran the car today for ~20miles without a problem. All highway, 70+mph...

New gasket will be ordered tomorrow morning.

As far as getting the new top gasket on, a little mineral oil on the gasket and a good shove (hope I didn't upset my air cleaner mounts) and it got on.