94 e320 EGR tube cleaning How many hours to do? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bob Weir · #1 12-02-2004, 09:13 PM

Many replies indicate Code 26 is for the EGR and the tube should be cleaned out especially at the intake manifold.

My local shops "never heard of it," so what's a fair number of "PRO" hours to do it and could a DIY'er do it? Out of curosity, how much must be dissambled to get to the EGR tube where it enters the intake manifold.

Thanks
Bob

Gilly · #2 12-02-2004, 09:46 PM

You can just replace the tube in around 1.5-2.0 hours, about the same to clean it, but the new tube is improved and you're never really sure absolutely how clean it is when you're done. I'd replace it. Biggest PITA is dealing with the clamp on the tube back by the oil filter and lifting bracket.
Gilly

Arthur Dalton · #3 12-02-2004, 10:26 PM

Code 26 is Shift Delay malfunction on 124.032. Usually the element/actuator at the trans cable end.

EGR is code # 5.

Bob Weir · #4 12-03-2004, 03:08 AM

Arthur,
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about Code 26 mistake. I had that one. Inde wanted $375 to R&R throttle pressure cable. In hindsight, I think you explained to me the difficulties of the R&R throttle pressure cable. While I was saving my pennies to have them do it, I got lucky when I found a bad vacuum hose that cured it.

I guess I'll have inde do the EGR tube because I can't imagine how to disconnect it at the intake manifold. Must be another one of those "experience" and/or "I made the tool for the application."

Bob

Arthur Dalton · #5 12-03-2004, 10:32 AM

Although there is a reasonable chance that the egr tube is blocked,[common
104 prob], an easy test for vac. flow is to simply apply some vac [ hand pump or vac source] to the egr while at idle. This opens the egr and will cause the engine to stumble..[ go lean]...if it does ,the tube is not blocked and other parts of the egr system are suspect...
You may know about the EGR/TSB on this chassis...[ archieves]

tower · #6 12-03-2004, 07:03 PM

Arthur:

I currently have this dtc occurring on the 95E320. Was wondering if it's an addressable repair from the outside of the transmission or if I have to do deep surgury?

Ron

#7 06-27-2005, 09:26 AM

Bob, here is how I do it, and it gets the job done ......................

Pick up a universal speedometer cable from any auto parts store.

Attached the cable to a variable drill, and feed it in to the EGR Tube, start the drill at low speed, and feed the cable through the EGR Tube.

This will clean it out, I think you will be amazed how much crude comes out.

Bob Weir · #8 06-27-2005, 12:35 PM

I tried the spedo cable router rooter trick, but could never feed it in far enough to get to the intake manifold. It appears to stop at the "U" at the rear of the engine. I too would like to disconnect and remove the tube itself, but like others, I can't figure out how to disconnect the tube from the intake side without removing the intake manifold.

Moe specific instructions are really appreciated.

Bob

skiier3_9 · #9 06-27-2005, 12:54 PM

Its really not too tricky to unbolt it on the intake side you just need to do it from underneith the car. Jack the drivers side up and put it on jack stands. Then climb under it and find where the EGR meets the intake, its near the throttle cable bracket assembly. There are two bolts holding it into place (10mm) and you will need a wrench to get one (or both of them) as there isn't enough room for a socket in there. You will also need to remove the bolt near the oil filter assembly. Here is a picture of the routing of the tube. My problem is that once the tube is unbolted I can't seem to get it out from the engine. What is the routing of the removal? Do you get it around the transmission dipstick tube and the pull it up behind the engine (remove the heater hose)?

skiier3_9 · #10 06-27-2005, 06:03 PM

Gilly? How do you take out the tube?

Gilly · #11 06-27-2005, 08:22 PM

I don't recall this ever being an issue. Maybe something is still attached. I'd discourage cleaning out the tube as well as the new ones are redesigned to prevent plugging up. If you clean it you'll need to keep doing it and sooner rather than later because you never get them cleaned out all that well that they'll last as long as it originally did.

it sounds as though you are being hung up at the trans dipstick tube, you can gently bend this out of the way. Also I am assuming you have the EGR valve removed from the pipe itself. If everything is released that holds the tube and the trans dipstick is out of the way, then I don't know what your problem is, just remove it.

Gilly

chuni959 · #12 06-28-2005, 03:47 PM

Gilly you must be talking about a different engine. I tried to help him get the tube off and it is not possible without like lifting the engine or somthing. What engine have you done it in?

Bob Weir · #13 06-29-2005, 03:06 AM

I started this thread 12-2-04. My 94 e320 has been sitting since May 05 when the emissions inspection expired.

It's obvious that some of us can't remove the egr tube without removing the intake manifold. So, could someone please explain how to remove the intake manifold and move it just enough to remove the egr tube without disassembling any unnecessary components. I have the W124 Workshop Manual (waste of money) and the CD. Unfortunately, the CD isn't specific enough for me. And since I can't afford the $800 labor my local shops want, I have to do it myself.

Thanks in advance
Bob

Gilly · #14 06-28-2005, 09:22 AM

I can't find the part on Fastlane either, email Phil for a quote, I'm sure if you mention "104 engine EGR tube" he'll know what you mean. Have your VIN number and engine number handy.
Gilly

RANDY P · #15 11-03-2011, 01:51 AM

Ya, I know it's an old thread but if someone searches this may help-

M104 with updated tube on my C36, started throwing P0400 code at 165K miles, initially tried the pull the line out of the Manifold side and rammed a coat hanger in it- got some carbon but ultimately the light came back.

I was going to replace the line, and got everything ready and 1 hr trying different contortions to remove it while the intake manifold was intact- it wasn't coming out.

As far as I'm concerned the ONLY way it will come out is dropping the fuel rail and upper intake manifold. If you get it out, you'll never get it back in because it's mangled.

I didn't want to do all that so I unbolted the tube at all it's mounting points (EGR valve, oil filter housing, and 2 bolts into intake manifold) removed the two forward mounting bolts for the throttle cable- moved throttle assembly out of the way, rotated the EGR line downward, got underneath car, poked and prodded the line with a scratch awl and flathead, and once things got broken up I took a small glass (whiskey glass?) and filled it with MEK and soaked the whole end in MEK:

Soaked it for 30 minutes- then took some leftover MBZ vacuum tube and ran that into the line, and a quick push, and the tube broke through the blockage.

MEK did a good job of softening up and dissolving the carbon.

I was able to run the vacuum tube 12" into the EGR line, assuring it was cleared.

After that, soaked it again for another 30 minutes, more plunging with the vacuum tube, then reassembled. MEK was dark like apple juice once it got past the blockage and the carbon was disintegrating.

So far, so good and I'm pretty sure I got that sucker cleaned.

Safety first- cover your fenders and make sure the engine is COLD if you try this.

Good luck

rjp