Accessing M119 Vacuum Lines Under Intake Manifold

[ca_tallguy]

Hey folks - I wanted to tackle replacing the vacuum lines on my 1997 E420 and was just wondering if anyone has any tips on accessing the vacuum lines that run through the intake manifold on the M119. Does the intake manifold need to come off to replace those, or can you access them other ways (maybe just threading them through?)

It looks like there is one tricky vacuum line in particular that attaches into the engine block underneath the manifold towards the passenger compartment. This one seems VERY hard to access. I think the MAF sensor is right in the center, attached to the throttle body? Maybe if the MAF is removed there might be enough room to reach in there?

Please let me know if you have any advice. I'm hoping that removing the intake manifold isn't required.

[nulu]

You should remove airmass sensor and maybe the breather hose, then use long needle nose pliers to remove or install plastuc vacuum lines, you shouldnt need to remove manifold

[ca_tallguy]

Awesome. Thanks so much.

[ca_tallguy]

Just wanted to follow up and say that I was able to thread the lines through and do this without taking off the air mass sensor. The connection under the intake manifold is right up under the edge near the passenger compartment so I was able to reach down with a couple of fingers and slide it on.

Is there any kind of liquid adhesive/grease (I know that those terms are opposite but I don't know what else to call it) that needs to go on the connections for these hoses? I could see some white stuff on one of the connections so that got me to wondering if they should be bare or if there is something that goes on to promote the seal and to hold them on a bit better. They are on there pretty tight without anything right now though.