How to replace an M119 ETA?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jkazzoun · #1 10-23-2006, 06:49 PM

I just ordered a rebuilt ETA. I just looked in the engine bay and I don't see how I can pull the current one without some major manifold removal, etc.

I'm not a big DIY guy (though I did replace the engine harness myself). Heck, I may even be looking at the wrong part (it sits right above the block between the manifolds and has a big round top, right?).

Does anyone have any m119 (4.2 v8) photos, diagrams, tips, etc?

New part due to arrive Wednesday and would rather not have to pay to get it done. It is supposedly a 20 minute job (or is that only on the straight-6)?

Thanks,

jk

jkazzoun · #2 10-25-2006, 12:12 PM

but, bump...Part comes in today and hoping for some timely help. It's either that or I find someone local to install a part purchased elsewhere. I'm in Austin, TX. Didn't want to pay $1300 for a new part through Ben's or others, but it's looking like I may be a bit challenged to install the ETA (electronic throttle actuator) on my own. I thought it was supposed to be easy!?! Am I missing something?

rsmcmahon · #3 10-25-2006, 03:04 PM

Shop info....

I might also add, you had better plan on replacing #31 the connection hose or boot. If you're careful with hose #29 you might not have to renew. If the hoses are original, they will will crack or break after removal. Seems like hose # 31 is less than $15.00. This is one area where you don't want an air leak either. I had to use a long, flex socket attachment to reach the house clamps #32 - it's not an easy bolt to reach. Another side note, after removing the hose clamps on 31, you will have to "briskly" rock the hose back and forth to break the seal.

jkazzoun · #4 10-25-2006, 07:06 PM

Thanks very much. It looks like I need to remove the center portion of the manifold first (and everything on top of it...) which is what I was hoping not to have to do...Guess it's not a 20 minute job on the 119...

Cheers,

jk

Gilly · #5 10-25-2006, 07:06 PM

It'll come out of the hell hole it's in, but it's not easy. The official MB description works pretty good but I forget how it says to do it. Lift up on one side, rotate 90 degrees, etc etc. Only 4 screws hold it to the manifold, you're supposed to replace those, plus a new gasket. The gasket is tough to get it to stay there and not get damaged when trying to put it back in, it's harder to get it back in than take it out. Yes, get new breather hoses as it's especially tough to put back in the hole without flexible hoses, the originals will be rock hard, as you can imagine the heat down in there when the engines hot. Get new ones first so you can use a prybar and knock the old ones off before removing it, that makes it easier too. Then put the new one on prior to installing, can;'t "hardly" put the breather hose on with the TA installed in the hole. There is the "over ride" linkage to pop off then on again. The throttle stop has to be "learned" by the EA computer, sometimes it learns itself, other times a shopo computer is required, no idea why some do it themselves and other don't, may depend on the year or model car. In case you didn't see it, the mass airflow sensor and adapter need to come off first. NOT a 20 minute job! PITA is what it is.
Gilly

jkazzoun · #6 10-25-2006, 07:31 PM

Gilly,

Yes, 'Hell Hole' is an apt description. Now that I have the part and am looking at everything it appears it is difficult, but doable. That said, what I really dont get is how I get the mass airlfow sensor and adapter off. I can't see any screws or bolts at all. From the top I can see two of the four bolts on eta and one screw for the clamp near the area where the eta and the mass airlflow sensor meet, but that's it (oh, well one other screw mounted horizontally just next to the black plastic on the mass airflow sensor.

hmph...

Gilly · #7 10-25-2006, 07:35 PM

Joe
Just held on with hose clamps I guess you'd call them. A bit of a pain but shouldn't hold you up too long. I ended up using a 1/4 drive handle with maybe a 6" extension, plus a "u joint" and short socket, I think the heads are 6mm for the clamps. Screwdriver won't work, go for the hex part. One clamp holds air sensor to rubber adapter, other holds adapter to TA, both clamps are on the rubber adapter.
Gilly

jkazzoun · #8 10-26-2006, 09:41 AM

Thanks again Gilly (and RS McMahon)...

Gilly · #9 10-26-2006, 04:45 PM

Make sure the linkage to the throttle (which is for "limp home" operation) is popped off early in the job, before you remove the 4 screws actually holding the TA down. Use a long thich screwdriver, put it between the ball socket and the lever and twist. PITA to get back on.
Gilly

jkazzoun · #10 10-27-2006, 08:36 AM

Thanks Gilly. I orgered the hoses, gasket and bolts. Should have everything today so i can work on it this eve and tomorrow am. Will advise when complete (or post in a panic!).

JimF · #11 10-27-2006, 10:42 AM

I did mine about 3+ years ago and the worst was the 'spring'! You can read about some of my toils in MENU#24.

You do not have to remove the intake manifold, the ETA can be removed as shown in the instructions! Suggest you don't remove the spring but keep it anchored into the manifold but just tape it out of the way. It's tough to get it back in. For the gasket, you could use a little gasket material to ensure that it doesn't move as you attach the four bolts.

Don't forget to clean the old gasket off after removing the old ETA.

It took me about 3+hours to do it and the worst part was the 'spring' b/c it fell off; about 1hr to get it back in!

Russ, tnx for the pictures; added them to MENU#24.

jkazzoun · #12 10-27-2006, 12:04 PM

Thanks for the tip Jim. I'll try some gorilla tape on it before I mess with it. That should keep it from popping-out. It looks so innocent in the diagram...

jkazzoun · #13 10-29-2006, 09:45 AM

Any chance anyone has Mass Airflow removal instructions? I gathered you just removed the hose clip and twisted it off. I tried and it won't detach. I don't want to force it too hard and am wondering if I'm missing something. It twists, but won't pull-up...

Any hints?

JimF · #14 10-29-2006, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkazzoun

...Any chance you have MAF removal instructions. I gathered you just removed the hose clip and twisted it off. I tried and it won't detach. I don't want to force it too hard and am wondering if I'm missing something. It twists, but won't pull-up...

It seems as the rubber 'collar' (31) sticks to the MAF; need to break that seal. Make sure you've loosen 32. If I remember, there's a lip that holds the MAF???

Gilly · #15 10-29-2006, 10:55 AM

Try loosening the clamp a bit more, you can also try squirting some water with a little dish soap in it to lube it up a bit. Just use an old empty spray bottle or buy one (an empty one for your own mixes) at a lawn and garden place
Gilly