PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

EricSilver · #6 05-17-2004, 05:54 PM

The injector seals (little plastic donuts, basically) surround the six fuel injectors at the top of the engine, visible after you unbolt the air cleaner. The seals cost about $6.00 or so for a set of 6.

The "proper" thing to do is unscrew the fuel lines between each injector and the fuel distributor, and then remove the injector by unbolting it from its seat. However, I only removed the fuel line at the distributor, and lifted out the injector with the fuel line still attached.

Once out, the old, brittle, seal can be (carefully) snipped away with strong, sharp scissors (or broken apart with a nut cracker). Slide the the new seal around the injector, re-bolt it to the engine, and screw the fuel line back into the fuel distributor. Don't remove all the injectors at once, unless you have a photographic memory. Some lines go over or other others, and it is very easy to forget the sequences.

It is a quick and easy process IF, and only if, you have a wrench that can be infinitely angled. If I remember correctly, injectors 3, 4, and 5 were the real b**ches to remove and replace because it was so difficult to uncrew them -- or replace them after they were out -- due to the restricted working space in that area.

If your seals were indeed leaking, you will notice it takes a second or two (or three or four) longer to start after you have replaced them. Although you are technically running lean when the injectors were leaking, you really were not because the car's computer was compensating for the excess air leaking in by pumping more fuel. Now, with the excess air cut off, you will truly be running lean (as I presently am) and the car sometimes needs noticeably more time to start -- especially when it is very hot.

From the photo, I can't clearly see what is leaking. Someone else will surely chime in here, but it appears to be a front seal leak which, I also believe, is not too difficult to repair.