Intake Manifold Removal 91 300CE
 

Need to clean 2mm PCV hole in manifold; in removing the manifold, my shop manual gives step by step, but doesn't mention anything about what to do with all those COMPLICATED linkages between the air filter housing and the intake manifold.

Do all these linkages come off in an assembly? -or- do they just stay attached to the manifold when it comes off?

I can do this job, but I just don't want to screw up any adjustments/linkages, etc.

Any information or tips on cleaning the PCV system or intake manifold removal/installation would be very helpful

Has anyone done this procedure on their car before? What kind of trouble am I going to get myself into with this...

anybody there...?

I have the manuals and got about half way thru this procedure and then chickened out. There is all that linkage and then all the connections around your fuel distributor. I was trying to replace that little "V" shaped coolant hose under the manifold. I took it to an independent, Mr. MB in Tarzana, CA and they were able to do it without taking anything apart.

glenmore
1990 LS400
1991 300CE
2000 C280

Yea...I'm a little nervous about all that linkage...I was hoping it was all connected in one big clump that could be un bolted and set aside as is...
My mechanic wants to charge me $700 to do it, and after researching this, I think that ain't such a bad deal...thanks for the info...

if anybody else knows if the linkage comes off easy...please let me know...thanks

David

I have a '90 300CE and I removed the head earlier this year with the intake still bolted to the head per MB Manual instructions - it was very handy and not too hard I thought (I am not a pro, but have worked on cars all but 14 of my 65 years). I do not remember exactly what was involved removing the linkage, but I didn't find it difficult (there were other more difficult parts to getting the head off!). I seem to remember that the MB manual intimates that it is more difficult than it is.

If you want to try and want me to check my notes (I keep notes on all significant work I do to my cars) I can do so.

Cary
1990 300CE
1992 300TE 4Matic
1976 Jag XJ12C
1949 MGTC

thanks...yes, if its not too much trouble...I would love to know as much as I can about this...

I too have been working on cars all my life...but chevy's, fords & honda's ain't the same thing at all. I've taken many engines apart, in and out of cars...so I know when I see a problem area like the linkages there on top of the intake. I think I know just enough to get me in trouble...ha.

the manual on cd...actually does not mention the linkages at all, so I'm inclined to think there is some obvious trick that the author of the instructions just "assumed" everyone knows...its suspicious to me that the manual doesn't mention this MAJOR obsticle in its step by step. Its crazy!

anyway, thanks a bunch for the info...

Don't be afraid of the throttle linkage. most of it can remain intact; and it's just ball and socket connections that snap right off. Take a photo before you start.
I removed my manifold and pushed it back an inch or two to get the head off.
It's been several years, but I don't remember it being a big deal at all. The injection plumbing can stay on and in one piece. The injectors plug into the intake, so they come off with it. When you clean out the PCV port, don't use anything sharp, it's a very specific size hole. While you're in there, clean out the exhaust recirculation port in the bottom of the intake manifold also.
And it would be a great time to replace the rubber hoses on the idle air control valve.

Jump on in, there's nothing you can mess up that the guys on here can't walk you through. I trusted the forum enough to wade into a tranny, and it came out well with the help from the guys here.

DG

Thanks a bunch...just a few more questions
 

The diagram in my service manual CD does not show or lable an "exhaust recirculation port". Could it be called something else? Or will it be obvious when I see it. Where would this port be found?

Also, is the idle air control valve the same thing as the "idle speed air port" shown in my manual. Will the hoses that need to be replaced be obvious or is my car a bit different than your model.

Didn't find it too difficult
 

I pulled and replaced the engine in my 86 300E this summer and had the engine out for a couple of weeks. That is enough time for me to forget a lot of things, but I had a few pictures, I also put color coded small plastic tie strips on some of the hoses to be sure they went back right. I took the linkage apart right down there where the little return spring is located and had difficulty figuring how it went back. Fortunately the CD has a very good drawing of the little set up and quickly showed me where I was wrong

Well, I guess I'm gonna do this thing!
 

thanks, I may tackle this job this weekend...I'll probably be back with other questions...thanks for the information and the pep talk...I'm goin for it!

David:
I'm sorry I have been very busy and forgot to check for your reply. If you have any questions/need help this weekend and can wait 'til Monday (I'll be away this weekend), let me know (I'll check in on Sun eve. or Mon. am.)
Cary

Intake Manifold Off
 

Thanks for the help. Thankfully my dad, who taught me everything i know about cars is visiting from FL this month...so I had alot of help from him; however, we are chevy people, so this is a little different for us.

I took off the intake manifold and the 2mm hole is completely blocked. the inside surfaces of the manifold pipes are completely caked in build-up from the PCV system failure. So I have several questions.

1. I am considereing taking the manifold somewhere to have it proffesionally cleaned...can a local mechanic clean this for me? Isn't there a "parts cleaning machine" that they soak it in or something to get it back to pristine condition.

2. If I clean it myself, is it suitable to "soak" the entire manifold in cleaning solution? (the throttle body is removed, but the linkage is still on).

3. ALL the pipes and hoses are dry-rotted and broken...so I need to order them...I couldn't find them on the parts wharehouse site, so I guess these are dealer items. I will try to photo them later today and post them, so you guys can get a better idea of the ones i need.

4. There is an extra "hose" (rigid metal pipe) not shown in my manual coming from the bottom "basin" under the throttle body, and leading to somewhere behind my engine. It too was nearly completely clogged at the connection to the intake. Do I need to remove it and clean it at the other end too?

5. Do I need to remove the idle speed port at the bottom of the engine and check it? or is it normally not clogged? This is where the oil is separated from the crankcase gases I'm guessing.

Sorry about this extremely long post; if you can help with any of the above questions, It would help me alot.

Thanks,
David

Done, Success, BUT???
 

Hey everone, its been 13 days, and I've finished the job with great success. HOWEVER:

The vacuum line coming from the diaphragm pressure regulator (which is located on the front of the throttle body assembly with one fuel supply line hooked up to it). Where should the vacuum line for the diaphragm pressure regulator go to?? Where should it be hooked up. the label tag i made for it fell off during the job.