OM603 losing boost from around flex connection on Exhaust Manifold
 

The engine will lug terribly until it gets too around 2200RPM, and then it takes off and pulls hard. I noticed large amounts of black soot staining the manifold around the flexible accordion joint that ties the 2 sections of the exhaust manifold together between the cylinder second from the front, and the third. To verify I was indeed losing pressure from there, I disabled the GP relay and let it sit overnight and started it cold in about 55 degree air. When it finally started, sure enough, I am getting piles of smoke out of that joint. It's leaking on the backside of the flexjoint, and I cant seem to move the bolt. My question is, can that joint be replaced without removing the manifold? It seems like either clamp on the end is VERY flexible and could be removed in place, but what about the center section? Is there room to remove and replace it while installed on the car? Thanks in advance for help with this.

here ya go!

this will fix the soot, but I doubt it'll fix the acceleration below 2200 much, My bet is that the alda line is partially clogged with soot. or there are cracks in the line somewhere. follow it out and see what you find.

What John said.

That's an exhaust passage. Clean air goes through the compressor section of the turbo, not exhaust. You're losing some exhaust that should be driving the turbine so you are more accurately not creating enough boost rather than losing it.

Sixto
87 300D

Correct, "losing" boost was a slip. But, it's a dog under 2000-2200...

Look at this auction. It sounds like it's leaking in the same area from the way it's described, but I cant imagine muffler patch holding...

"There is a patch of muffler wrapping on the flexible exhaust manifold joint. It does not make any noise. The entire exhaust manifold needs to be removed to replace this flexible section."

Mercedes-Benz : 300-Series sedan in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

Thanks John! I'll look into this process.

Seller is forum member aaa. Ask him about it.

Sixto
87 300D