'97 E300 is developing fuel leaks somewhere in the IP/delivery valve area....pretty minor, so far, but would like to nail it down and fix it. It's been suggested I can run the engine with intake removed in order to see all the fuel system components working under pressure.
My concerns are many....... Is this a normal procedure and often used technique? Seems a little "unorthodox" to me, but, I'm definitely a "newbie" when it comes to MB diesels (or any other diesels, for that matter).
What should I be aware of (besides sucking foreign objects into the intake ports) when doing this? Will the engine "start", and more importantly, "shut off" normally? I'd imagine there'll be OBD codes after?
Also assuming this is the only way to pressurize the fuel system in order to check for leaks on everything that's quite well hidden by the intake manifold? I "think" my delivery valves are leaking, but I can't be sure of that due to not having access to clean them off and observe during operation. Could be a loose line/nut or one of the clear lines/o-rings or the shut-off valve, etc. Even the IP, itself, I'd imagine.
I was hoping, maybe, with just the crossover pipe removed (for observation purposes), I may have more access, and avoid the brittle plastic CCV tubing that's gonna crumble in my fingers during removal. Or, am I just gonna hafta "bite the bullet" on this one and remove the entire intake? I assume any part replacement in that area is gonna require the entire intake be removed, anyway. Any thoughts? Thanks