1982 300D Turbo.
Beneath the air filter housing, there is a "snorkel". Mine is chrome/shiny metal. It is connected to the bottom of the air filter housing via a male/female push-on connection, with an o-ring in a groove around the male connector to increase friction. The "snorkel" is curved and somewhat wrapped around something next to the engine block, but does not appear to be connected to anything on the non-air-filter end. I can freely move it around when it is disconnected from the air filter housing, but cannot remove it from the engine bay. What is this part, what is its function, and SHOULD it be connected to something on the non-air-filter end? I need a new o-ring for the male connector end, I just have a piece of electrical tape doing the job now. Sorry I don't have a pic, but I put it back together before thinking about it. Thanks, Alex.

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"Frau Blue Car" 1980 240D think Frau Bluker, cue the horses, formerly known as "China" from JimmyL
"Gunther" 1982 300D.....Turbo!! A/C!! Sunroof!!
"Fraulein" 1975 240D----Donated to NPR

Sounds like the oil drain tube. Should definitely be attached on the other end. Can't remember if it goes into the block, or the upper oil pan though.

If you are referring to the item in the pic, that is the blow by oil drain that ends in the oil pan.

Attached Thumbnails

   

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83 SD

84 CD

That drain tube is supposed to be bolted to the turbo exhaust manifold support that runs down to the motor mount, about a 4 inch long metal strap. I have seen repeated instances where the loop that was screwed to this strap has rusted away, leaving the drain line loose if you remove the air cleaner. That's probaby why its rattling around like that

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Thank you all for the replies. It is the oil drain tube, great picture toomanyMBNZ. Does it just push into the oil pan with a male-female connection like it does with the air filter housing? How on earth do you finagle that? There certainly is not enough room for my head to fit between the block and the fender to see the hole it should go into. Mirrors?

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"Frau Blue Car" 1980 240D think Frau Bluker, cue the horses, formerly known as "China" from JimmyL
"Gunther" 1982 300D.....Turbo!! A/C!! Sunroof!!
"Fraulein" 1975 240D----Donated to NPR

The upper oil pan has a male fitting (with O-ring) between the turbo drain tube and engine block.

The tube must be mounted (10mm nut/bolt) to the turbo brace, or it will bounce around abrading holes in the tube.

Neither is easy / simple to access or see..

.

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here is the location whunter is describing-
Notice in this pic the strap is also gone, but the drilled out hole you see is where the drain pipe is supposed to attach to the brace.

a quasi easy temp fix is run some sliced open hose down the pipe, and zip tie it to the brace. This may not last forever based on exhaust manifold heat, but would be better than nothing.

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Again, thank you all for the replies, very good information!

__________________
"Frau Blue Car" 1980 240D think Frau Bluker, cue the horses, formerly known as "China" from JimmyL
"Gunther" 1982 300D.....Turbo!! A/C!! Sunroof!!
"Fraulein" 1975 240D----Donated to NPR