In the diesels (in particular 617.95X engines)
The fuel return hoses, are they woven fabric covered tubes ?
I see one of mine leaching.
Are they MB specific hoses or just average parts store items ?
Are there better substitutes ?

I bought some vacumm tubing from a local auto parts place for about $1 cdn a foot. Seems to be holding up pretty well. I keep about 2 feet in my trunk in case one of the other injector return lines go.

Thanks for responding !
I'm wondering if they can handle long-term exposure to the hotter temperature right on top of the engine and fuel flowing through it.
Please keep us posted...
I will investigate bulk plastic tubing choices at home building supply stores - some are rated to handle chemicals, etc. and high temperature.

I recommend keeping some of the narrow black fabric covered hose that fits between each fuel injector in the trunk in case you spring a leak. I also replace the stuff about every five years - it's cheap enough, why not?

Also, I'd suggest keeping an extra plug for the last fuel injector in the glove box. If this thing starts leaking on you while you're on a trip, you've got a serious problem and I think it unlikely you'll be able to get a spare easily.

Finally, I recently replaced the opaque plastic fuel return tubing that runs around the engine of my '83 300CD-T. After 223,000 miles, it seemed like it had discolored and was a bit brittle what with the high tempteratures and age. These items came from M-B as they have the correct fittings on the ends.

My suggestion for all of the above is to acquire from M-B. It's all original equipment specified for your car and (my opinion only here) it is reasonably priced and certain to be appropriate for your application.

Good luck-

Terry

Hi, Terry -

Re - "Also, I'd suggest keeping an extra plug for the last fuel injector in the glove box."

I'll take a look, but when you say "last", is it left or right end if I'm vewing the engine from the injector (driver's) side ?

Thanks for the prevention tip.
I'm all for carrying lots of spares in the trunk and glove box.
There's even an oil filter/gasket kit, just in case...
(The '81 300SD (193,000) is maintained mainly for long hauls and shuttling the kids on 100 mile roundtrips to grandparents.)


[This message has been edited by VA300SD (edited 08-19-1999).]

I have found that the German fabric covered is the best hose for long term use. Also replace the end plug.

------------------
Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

just checked my " $1/foot " vacumm hose on my 300SD. After one week of usage the hose is not leaking, ( a miracle considering the way I push that engine ) but it definatly has become softer and more malible. Looks like the heat is getting to it. I'll go to my supplier tomorrow and get OEM parts. The vacumm hose is a "fix on the spot" solution but isn't long term.

LJ

Hi, "Lube"

Thanks for the report on the hoses.

When I referred to the last fuel injector, this is what I meant (I definately don't mean to be patronizing with the detail):

If I'm sitting behind the steering wheel in my 300CD-Ts, the five cylinders run in a straight line from the grille (essentially) to the firewall. For the fuel injector closest to the firewall, since there isn't another injector to daisy-chain to, it's "output port" (for lack of a better term) should be fitted with the plug that, upon closer inspection, seems to be about a 1" long piece of the standard fabric covered fuel hose with a metal plug, slug, whatever you want to call it, stuck inside. This thus prevents fuel from squirting out.

Hope that clarifies it better.

Terry

Thanks, Terry.
Not patronizing at all with your answer.
More detail the better, which saves some of us from head scratching when we're looking under the hood.
Thanks again.