My '87 420 SEL has been idling rough and the shop where I take it said the intake manifold gasket needs replacing. Cost, $1000. I would like to do it myself and save my hard earned cash. I have done most other maintenance on the car including replacing the timing chain and guides, brakes, water pump, and the routine maintenance items. Is the intake manifold gasket any more difficult that the above? If I do it myself are there any tips or tricks?


Thanks in advance
Bob U.

The only hard part is knowing what you DO have to take off and what you DON'T have to take off.

You don't have to take off the entire top section if you know how to get to all of the bolts and you have the special ball allen wrenches.

I don't know on this, the one thing about being at the shop is you have most of the little parts that break when getting in there...Like the plastic.

Be sure if you DIY, split the intake and replace the rubber rings and the throttle switch. If you don't, you'll be sorry.

__________________
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

why the throttle switch? Just old age?

-CTH

So are you saying that as long as I have ball allens and work carefully the job is doable for the home mechanic?

What Benzmac is saying that if you can replace the timing chain then the intake manifold isn't out of your league. MAKE sure to replace any & all rubber componets!

Thanks for the help. I will probably tackle this in the next couple of weeks. I will let you know how it goes.