Hi,
I want to share the comments my mechanic made the other day. I went for a routine check-up + slight endine noise/vibration. (1990 300 E 70k)

His comments:

1. Remove Bosch Platinum4 plugs as 103 engine allows oil to seep into the chamber and this reacts with platinum. I did and the spark plug heads were dirty - black (after 10k).

2. Out of the 6 injectors 3 are old style - black and the rest are new - gold (color). Some of the vibration could be attributed to misfiring/faulty injectors.

3. Engine mounts were old. Suggested replacement.

4. freon low - add/convert.

I bought the mounts (US$ 180 pair) and intend to replace them myself - any ideas, smth I should know about?

The plan is to put a jack under the oil pan (with a board), loosen the bottom and top nuts (botton hexadecimal one 1st), lift the engine and swap the mounts. The pass side mount is easily accessible, but the driver's side looks like a pain.

Would you recommend changing the injectors? Myself?

Any thoughts from you guys - moderators and the rest - are appreciated as you seem to know so much about this stuff...

Thanks,
Andre.

Just a brief update:

1. failed to change the driver side engine mount - access is poor. The old pass side mount was about 1 inch shorter than the new one - wear.

Can I leave it like this - one new mount and one old? There's barely a difference in vibration, but at least now the engine shakes when gas is pressed and I can shake it by hand also.

Any thoughts? Thanks. Andre.

The passenger side mount is accessed from the underside. I would do them both. DO NOT take the part you bought and ask a tech to install them. Wow this is a big no no in the repair buisness. As for the injection nozzles it is more complex than the 2 bolt engine mount swap, so I would have it done!!
I agree with the use of regular copper core plugs in the 103 engine.
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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM




[This message has been edited by Benzmac (edited 06-12-99).]