PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Cleaning Prechambers

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Cleaning Prechambers

Well, after much searching and ordering and having orders cancelled it seems my pockets just aren't deep enough for new prechambers. :( Apparently they're now made from unobtanium and the shipment from Pluto is indefinitely delayed until it's planetary status is resolved.

So, I'll be removing the five prechambers from the "parts" NA 300D which is low mileage in hopes of getting four serviceable units for the 240D. To that end I'd like to thoroughly clean them and was wondering if y'all had experience with any type of solvent that would remove the soot in a good soaking. You know, something like the good ol' bucket of carb cleaner that the EPA deems useful only for making Chernobyl smell better. I don't have access to an ultrasonic so it's gotta be something I can just soak 'em in, even if it takes a week!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RallyRebel (Post 2786633)

Are you certain the prechambers are compatible? The OM616 used a couple of different types over time; some are not interchangeable with others as there are different piston configurations.

One thing to do is to check the EPC using your car's VIN for the Data Card, then verify that the original engine is in the car. You can then do parts check for the correct prechambers for the engine you have, get that part number and do a Part Number search checking for cross compatibility with other engines.

Up here in MA with some pretty crazy enviro regs the one gallon can with basket GUNK Carb/Parts cleaner is still on the shelf at AutoZone as of a couple months ago. That stuff softens carbon type fouling pretty effectively.

Gunk CC3K Carburetor & Parts Cleaner with Drip Basket - 96 fl. oz

Amazon has it about $23 plus shipping and Ace Hardware lists it for a couple dollars more, O'Reillys, Grainger

Looks like FL Auto Zones carry Berryman/1 gal. B-9 carburetor and parts cleaner with basket $27.99

The prechamber holes are pretty specifically sized I’ve used wire gage twist drills of the correct or slightly smaller diameter to clean them after soaking the prechambers for a while

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billybob (Post 2786647)

Thanks for the info that the newer Carb Dip still works on Carbon.

I am curious to know what happend to the original Prechambers that they cannot be reused?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911 (Post 2786797)

I am curious to know what happend to the original Prechambers that they cannot be reused?

Operator error with removal tool on one, but overall in rough shape. Not sure if from 250K miles or previous bad handling. After rebuilding/balancing injectors would rather start with a fresh, clean set of prechambers.

Make sure that the tip that extends into the cylinder looks the same.
The old ones are square with a flat bottom, and the newer ones are round (hemispherical). They can not be interchanged.
Also check the 'ball' inside the prechamber. Is it still there?, is there any pitting on it?. If so, do not reuse the prechamber.
I clean them in a sand blaster with glass beats at a low pressure setting.
A wire brush works well too.
Never tried the chemical approach.