Turbo charger intake pipe keeps coming off ...

[mxnz]

--- the upper pipe will not stay on and it keeps pulling the lower one off with it - i replaced the pipe clamps but the pipe itelf is so hard i don't see how this can keep it on - i am worried about getting debris in2 the turbine -
-- what can i do ?

If you mean the intake hose that leads from the air cleaner canister to the turbo inlet - then ditch the entire air cleaner assembly in favor of a k&n cone type filter. Less engine compartment clutter, no more air filter purchases, more cool turbo spool whistle!

[Ken300D]

Are the softer sealing rings still intact? You are supposed to have a rubber sealing ring inside each connection of that U-shaped plastic pipe.

This sealing ring is illustrated as Item # 175 in the diagram below, for the lower connection. The upper connection to the air cleaner also has this type of sealing ring - it is a slightly different size.

Ken300D

[gsxr]

If it lines up normally but pops off, you probably need to replace the soft rubber gaskets - they become as hard as plastic when they're old. You didn't mention what year/model you have, but if it's mid 80's, you may have a problem where the wrong air cleaner was installed (or turbo). I bought my car like this, where a CA turbo was installed on a Federal car, and the air cleaner never fit properly, making the U-tube pop off all the time. Here's a photo of the two different types:

http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W123_stuff/W123_air_cleaners.jpg



Good luck,

[Nate Stanley]

You might also want to check the condition of the air cleaner mounts (3 of them). If they are broken, this will put extra vibration into the u-pipe.

Ditto what Ken 300D says about the sealing rings. My tech told me some time back after I sheared my second set of air cleaner mounts that the mounts and the sealing rings must all be replaced together if any of them are hardened from age. Once I did, all the problems in that area went away.

[Thomaspin]

....is also a common fracture.