2000 ML320 Blowing - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DavidF.C280 · #1 07-31-2003, 08:16 PM

Hello Everyone,

I have a 2000 ML320,

Last week my Shop had to replace the high pressure hose between the Evaporator (SP?) and Compressor which had blown :-(. Shop time to replace was a little over two hours, so I assume it was a tricky job

Within 2 days of this we now have a blowing exhaust/manifold, which has started gradually and got worse, which sounds like a possible gasket.

Anyway my question, is this pur coincidence or is there anything that would have to be moved/distrubed when replacing the above mentioned hose, that could have caused this?

many Thanks!

David.

Gilly · #2 07-31-2003, 08:21 PM

Could it possibly be a cracked weld on one of the catalytic converters? Seen a few of them, crack right along one of the seams that connects the front "dome" (where the exhaust pipe enters the first section of the cat) to the main body of the cat.

Gilly

DavidF.C280 · #3 07-31-2003, 10:26 PM

Gilly,

First of all have read many of your posts, so may I take this opportunity to Thank you profusely for all the advice given on this board!!!

If it is the weld on the cat, is that something the 80K Emission Warranty would Cover???

Many Thanks Once Agina,

David.

Gilly · #4 07-31-2003, 10:42 PM

There seems to be some inconsistancies in how the emission warranty is interpreted by individual dealers. I'd say there is a good chance it could be replaced under the warranty, not 100% positive this will be the case. Get 'er diagnosed before sweating that, I guess.

Gilly

DavidF.C280 · #5 07-31-2003, 11:22 PM

Gilly,

I had something I had to attend tonight, so i only just managed to get underneath the M, with trusty light in hand.

Your Diagnosis was 100% correct

, its a cracked weld on the Cat Chamber, so off the the Dealer I go, Wish me luck

. I will let you know how I get on.

Once again, *Many* thanks for your assistance!!

David.

Gilly · #6 08-01-2003, 08:32 AM

Just a lucky guess David, I have seen this a couple times already.
I think it may be the possible result of a HOT exhaust system (like extended highway driving for example) then hitting a sudden rain shower, or deciding to get it washed where they have an underchassis spray-down feature, or maybe hitting a big puddle, some scenario like that.
Good Luck! Let me know what they say.

Gilly

DavidF.C280 · #7 08-01-2003, 12:28 PM

Gilly,

Well took it in morning, and the Dealer (Park Place MidCites in Bedford TX) is going to take care of it under the 8/80K Emissions Warranty

, I should have mentioned before that the ML has 73K on it..

The only thing is they won't have the Part until Monday

I have used Park Place in the past, the Service Dept is one of the very Best I have seen both here and in Europe, it must be a Mechanics Dream to work there...

But these things cost money, ....

...... since the hourly labor charge went north of $100 per Hour, well lets just say my pockets aren't that deep!

Any other developments I will let you know...

David

Gilly · #8 08-01-2003, 08:51 PM

That's great David.
I was in training classes with guys from Park Place. Them Texans know how to party! Glad they're getting it covered for you.

Didn't Park Place sell out in the last few years to AutoNation or one of those huge conglomerates? I might be thinking of a different dealer.

Gilly

DavidF.C280 · #9 08-07-2003, 03:29 PM

Sorry for the delay Gilly. I have been away on Business and only just got back,

They ended up having to replace both the Left and Right Cat, same symptoms on both sides, but it was all taken care of under the 8/80.

AFAIK Park Place only sold their Houston MB Dealerships to Autonation, the 2 DFW Dealerships are still theirs.

David.