Hello:

Our car runs badly at full load and all symptoms point to oil contamination of the intake system. Therefore, I am planning to clean the entire air intake system of this car from air filter to intake manifold including the intercooler and all the other parts between. It appears that this is the best action for long term correction.

I have the following parts - check valve, breather hoses, oil separator, air filter, and intake manifold gaskets.

Has anyone here done this and can offer advice? I have read scattered bits of info from this site and others. I have the Bentley Manual (which is somewhat helpful but still incomplete) but don't have access to the on-line MB sources for doing the various components of this work.

For instance, removal of the intake manifold allows easiest access to the check valve and removal of the front bumper is necessary to gain access to the intercooler for removal and cleaning.

Any comments from anyone who has done this will be appreciated! Any other parts that should be replaced while this is being done? Any issues that may come up while doing this? Any surprise parts that should be considered? How do you ensure that the intercooler is truly clean? The MAF sensor will be carefully removed and I'll carefully use CRC cleaner to (hopefully) clean this expensive part.

Anything else will be very helpful.

Thanks,
Paul

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1989 300E
1999 C230 Kompressor
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD

Also owned:
1964 Chevrolet Impala (first car)
1972 Fiat 124 Sport Spider (first sports car)
1976 VW Scirocco (first new car)
1970 Pontiac Parisienne (epitome of bland)
1980 VW Scirocco (last new car)
1953 GMC 6x6 (amazingly well engineered)
1967 Austin Healey 3000
1987 F150 4x4
1978 F150
1987 VW Jetta
1992 Toyota Previa AWD
2003 Toyota Sienna
2001 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD
1949 John Deere Model M