You might want to check your Trap Cats - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mach4 · #1 08-03-2012, 02:22 PM

I finally got around to tearing things apart for the purpose of installing my test pipe. When I pulled the Trap Cat this is what I found.

When I cut the flange off to make my second test pipe, I got a better look at what was inside.

When I opened up the turbo to check things out and get it cleaned up, I heard some rattling when I shook the turbine housing I had just taken off and this is what came out of the turbine housing.

Surprisingly, I think I'm ok. I don't see any evident damage to the turbine.

And even with that obstruction, I was able to pull 10psi of boost. I have a hunch the turbine is going to spool a whole lot faster now.

vstech · #2 08-03-2012, 02:31 PM

what car and engine is this cat on?

pre turbo cat's should be replaced by the factory... free, and they'll replace the turbo if it was damaged... also free.

tbomachines · #3 08-03-2012, 02:40 PM

What a mess!

charmalu · #4 08-03-2012, 02:43 PM

Wow!!! That is an eye opener.

When we bought our 85 back in 97, it was really lagging on get up and go. the lacal shop did a VIN# check with the dealer, and it had been on the car for over 50K milea, and is suppose to be replaced every 30K miles.

Dealer replaced the trap and checked the Turbo. no cost to us because it is part of the emmissions warranty.

If the trap had come apart and damaged the Turbo, MB would have replaced as part of the warranty.

You are lucky the Turbo dodn`t get damage, as this one would have been on you. as your SL VIN# doesn`t jive with the current engine.

Your engine compartment will thank you for cleaning things up by getting rid of unnecessary junk.

Iam using the 78 - 79 116SD none EGR manifolds and have no test pipe.

Charlie

mach4 · #5 08-03-2012, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

what car and engine is this cat on?

pre turbo cat's should be replaced by the factory... free, and they'll replace the turbo if it was damaged... also free.

The engine is an '85 OM617.952 out of a 123 300D. It now happily resides in my '85 380SL.

sixto · #6 08-03-2012, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

what car and engine is this cat on?

pre turbo cat's should be replaced by the factory... free, and they'll replace the turbo if it was damaged... also free.

That's true for 603s but I heard it's a little different for 617s. The 617 oxidation catalyst fits in place of the trap oxidizer so it remains upstream of the turbo. They'll definitely replace an original trap on MB's dime but if the cat clogs, it's up to the dealer whether the replacement's on the house. Again, so I heard.

Sixto
87 300D^2

aaa · #7 08-03-2012, 03:59 PM

Reminder: you can tow your car in for the trap ox recall.

Unfortunately I think they'd balk at it not being in the original car.

tbomachines · #8 08-03-2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaa

Reminder: you can tow your car in for the trap ox recall.

Unfortunately I think they'd balk at it not being in the original car.

That's gonna be bad news. The parts and service dept are really VIN dependent in my experience, I doubt they'll put up the cash to pay for that service being non-original equipment. Can't hurt to ask though.

mach4 · #9 08-03-2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

Iam using the 78 - 79 116SD non EGR manifolds and have no test pipe.

I don't think I can go that route, because that would position the turbo quite a bit lower and I think it would interfere with my fender wells. One of these days I'll take some measurements and see whether it's true or not.