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2013 C300 4MATIC Sport with P1, Bi-Xenon headlights, Navigation with backup camera, Sport Plus
Spark plug replacement questions
Hey guys,
I replaced my plugs today on my 2013 C300 4matic sport. For the most part everything went through smoothly. #4 - 6 was a pain with #6 being the worst just because of not having space to work in due to the cables, but got it all done. Did make some oops mistakes which I need to get advice on.
#1) Broke the grey tab that slides out on the mass airflow sensor plug. No damage to the plug itself. Plug still seats tightly but I don't think there is an easy replacement without checking the whole plug correct?
#2) lost the grey tab on #6 ignition coil plug. Plug again seats fine and secure. Grey tab slide completely off and fell some where which i cannot find.
#3) boots of #4 - 6 damaged during removal. I had to buy replacement boots from the dealer for $13 each. Luckily the entire ignition coil doesn't need to be replaced.
#4) Two of the ignition coil bolts on seem to light stripped because I had the torque wrench on the incorrect setting which cause them to be over tightened by a few nm. The star bolts are not completely stripped and should be ok to be opened in the future.
#5) Forgot to put electric grease on #5 and 6 boot
My main concern is mistakes #1, #2, #4. Any advice on how to correct them or let it be and resolve when replacing the plugs in the future?
All in all, I was rusty and took me 6 hours to finish cause i had to drive to the dealer to buy replacement boots. Here are some pics for reference for my adventure today.
grey tab which i lost from the ignition coil plug old plugs @ 60k miles. Engine bay while working on the #4 - 6 plugs
These are opinions:
#3 is not an issue because you fixed it.
#5 will not affect performance, only will make removal of the coil boots more difficult in 60,000 miles.
#1 & #2 I think the gray tabs on these provide the lock and could affect the connection over time. A quick fix is to just wrap a piece of green floral wire from back to front of the connectors and twist it to hold them together. I’ve done the same thing and used this as a fix and never had a problem.
#4 ignition coil bolts don’t have much holding to do. Probably okay. If they’re completely stripped, many remedies: 1) cheap and sloppy - put JB Weld in the holes and snug up the old bolts, never look back; 2) technically correct - the local hardware store has the next size up self tapping screws; tap the holes first, use a twist drill by hand to enlarge the coil holes, then reinstall; don’t worry about the type of bolt heads.
You learn by doing. Your next journey under the hood will be less stressful because you’ll be a bit more aware. You just saved a lot of $$.
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