Serious thoughts about Injector Lines - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TX76513 · #1 05-02-2005, 11:11 AM

My #4 injector line failed last week, squirting fuel from the top of the nut at the injector. This kind breakdown has made me a little nervous. I could smell diesel and fortunately was just a few block from the house. Thumbnail one is the culprit connection. Other than some discoloration I cannot visibly see anything broken or cracked. Thumbnail two has me more concerned. This is the bend in the line where it was contacting another line (which also has noticeable wear). Sorry about picture clarity – as good as my digital will do. All my line spacers “were” intact. What’s bad about this part failure is there is no way to “temporarily” repair this should it happen in BFE and even as prompt as Fastlane is – it was four days to get the part. It’s obvious I need to replace #3 also as it has wear but am I being obsessive for replacing all of them for piece of mind? I know it’s been said here - If it’s not broken don’t fix it, I don’t feel that should apply here.
SIDEBAR ON THE REPAIR –1) Don’t waste time trying to save 19-year-old line clips when replacing lines. 2) I would assume the shop manual suggest removing the intake manifold on the 603.961 engine. 3) Remember how the old line comes out – it helps when installing the new line. Reminded me of the game with the bent nails – where you have to separate the two pieces with a series of turns and maneuvers.

Habanero · #2 05-02-2005, 11:54 AM

Yes there is a temporary repair. On my 87 SDL I broke a line right at the pump, and used the original nut with a 3/16" brass ferrule to seal it up to the pump. Drove it roughly 500 miles home like that and it didn't leak a drop. I would imagine you can do the same thing on the injector end, although I haven't tried it. Since then I carry a few ferrules and a 3/16" compression union around with me all the time. I also changed all my lines even though only one broke. In my case though, the reason for the breakage was added stress due to mating inclined injectors to lines meant for straight injectors, so it made sense to go ahead and get the right lines for all the cylinders.

Brian Carlton · #3 05-02-2005, 12:07 PM

Some of my lines on the 603 look like they are near the end of their service life. The outside coloring is completely grey and some are pitted. I was thinking of cleaning them up, but, it appears that serious consideration should be given to replacement. I take this vehicle several hundred miles at the drop of a hat.

What's the cost of a full set?

Dealer or aftermarket? Any quality issues or are the aftermarket lines made by somebody reliable?

I presume that you replace all the plastic clips at the same time.

TX76513 · #4 05-02-2005, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Some of my lines on the 603 look like they are near the end of their service life. The outside coloring is completely grey and some are pitted. I was thinking of cleaning them up, but, it appears that serious consideration should be given to replacement. I take this vehicle several hundred miles at the drop of a hat.

What's the cost of a full set?

Dealer or aftermarket? Any quality issues or are the aftermarket lines made by somebody reliable?

I presume that you replace all the plastic clips at the same time.

I will guess that the longer the line the bigger the $$. The dealer price in Jackson for #4 was $72 and it was going to take 2- 3 days. Phil had it for $27 with same time frame. (and it came from MB)

Like the ferrules idea - 3/16 is the size? guess you would need to carry a pipe cutter with you also

Carrameow · #5 05-02-2005, 12:12 PM

Brian, I would be happy to mail you mine--I have an extra set now that I replaced my engine.

P.E.Haiges · #6 05-02-2005, 12:16 PM

TX,

Were you going to replace all the injector lines if the leaks wouldn't have happened? If not, you shouldn't replace them now. Just because 2 failed is no indication that others will fail. If yours should be replaced, then all other owners with same or more mileage on their cars, should replace all their injection lines. See my logic? The "if not broken......" applies in this case.

And, an injector line leak is not a "Dead in the Water" failure. You can keep going with just a small loss of fuel.

P E H

Brian Carlton · #7 05-02-2005, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.E.Haiges

And, an injector line leak is not a "Dead in the Water" failure. You can keep going with just a small loss of fuel.

............provided the vehicle does not catch on fire.

Habanero · #8 05-02-2005, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

...Like the ferrules idea - 3/16 is the size? guess you would need to carry a pipe cutter with you also

Doesn't everyone carry a tubing cutter with them

? I just cleaned up one of my old mini cutters and threw it in. They are pretty cheap at Lowes or Ace.

Brian, I don't remember exactly the total cost of my set of lines, but I think they were something like $33 each last fall. Quite a few beans, but then again, everything on that car costs a lot it seems.

Brian Carlton · #9 05-02-2005, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Habanero

Brian, I don't remember exactly the total cost of my set of lines, but I think they were something like $33 each last fall. Quite a few beans, but then again, everything on that car costs a lot it seems.

Thanks.

Boy, you said it. Every time I turn around, another $200. disappears.

This past weekend was no different.

TX76513 · #10 05-02-2005, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.E.Haiges

TX,

Were you going to replace all the injector lines if the leaks wouldn't have happened? If not, you shouldn't replace them now. Just because 2 failed is no indication that others will fail. If yours should be replaced, then all other owners with same or more mileage on their cars, should replace all their injection lines. See my logic? The "if not broken......" applies in this case.

And, an injector line leak is not a "Dead in the Water" failure. You can keep going with just a small loss of fuel.

P E H

Wouldn't have replaced. This is the car I would drive anywhere there was a road. However, there was a considerable amount of fuel squirting out the top...and running down on the turbo

Yes, I am a little over compulsive with the car but this failure rattled me.

t walgamuth · #11 05-02-2005, 07:50 PM

i have never seen a metal line fail on any of mine and i have had a lot with 250,000 miles. your picture shows signs of bending, kinking etc. also they should never wear if installed with the spacers correctly.

i would say if it aint broke dont fix it.

Johnhef · #12 05-02-2005, 08:03 PM

This is what actually started me on doing all the minor engine repairs on my 124. I had #4 start leaking a few months ago and I replaced the line. This time #1 was leaking on my way to work so I ordered the other 5 lines ($22 each) and planned on replacing them that weekend.

I pulled the intake manifold since I needed to replace the gasket anyways and figured since I was this far, I might as well fix that exhaust leak in the flex piece. Most of you know what happened next, my issue with the exhaust stud

So the moral of the story is, leaking fuel lines are the direct cause of broken off exhaust studs

Lycoming-8 · #13 05-03-2005, 12:58 AM

Had a line fail on the old '68 in the boonies of Wyoming between Casper and Billings Montana. Was able to call the dealership in Billings and they had the correct line, but would not be open long enough to get there. They suggested a small shop in Ranchester Wy. So we fired it up and ran back down there. The leak turned out to be a pin-hole in the middle of the line, with no apparent wear or corrosion!?! It sure wet down the engine compartment though!! The shop owner brazed it up and we got the line(s) the next day. The routing for the lines had changed for replacement parts, so had to buy both of the paired lines. Drove on to Victoria BC and back to Oklahoma with the brazed line and it was still in place when the car was finally parked for that long winters nite.

TwitchKitty · #14 05-03-2005, 07:11 AM

If these lines are installed in a bind I would expect the probablility of a failure to increase greatly. Same goes of improper bending the lines. Same of anything that greatly changes the harmonics.

When I read the "Neanderthal method" of timing the injection pump, I cringed for this very reason. I think I did it anyway. Knowing better is not always enough.

TX76513 · #15 05-03-2005, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

i have never seen a metal line fail on any of mine and i have had a lot with 250,000 miles. your picture shows signs of bending, kinking etc. also they should never wear if installed with the spacers correctly.

i would say if it aint broke dont fix it.

There actually is no bending or kinking - the old and new line matched up perfectly. Also all the spacers were in place - the lines were able to tap each other on the final turn into the injector. Darn things only lasted for 19 years - I am writing a letter to Benz

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