samiran

Hi All,

I've got a 2011 GL350 with a seriously ill engine.

I'm concern that the work I've had done to it is worsening, rather than improving, the problem.

I'm looking for a top-notch MB diesel mechanic (indy or dealer), familiar with the OM642, who can inspect, identify, and potentially repair some complex engine issues that I think are related to a recent timing component repair. The current path I'm on strongly suggests getting a second opinion, but I'm really not sure where to turn for an engine diagnostic at such a serious level.

Does anyone have any recommendations in either the Midwest, or frankly, anywhere in the US?

dagentooboy

If you are anywhere near Wichita, KS I would be happy to hook up the diagnostics and see if there is anything we can determine from that.

KrustyKustom

Unfortunately I think he is in Chi-cago....


He has been dealing with a bummer timing chain replacement saga.

bha

If it's a true engine problem, try to find a high volume Sprinter dealer. Your OM642 is also used in the Sprinter, and they're almost the same engine.


Around me, there are a few high-volume Sprinter dealers.. I suspect they fix the many sprinters including UPS and other fleets that have lots of them.


I'm sure they are even rebuilding the motors in the back and have the parts all on a shelf. They could probably do wonders for your problem and maybe even diagnose it by looking at it (by using their experience of common problems, not plugging a laptop into it and finding codes)

samiran

Thanks for the advice.

As far as I can tell, I'm AT a high volume Sprinter dealer; its the primary reason I went there in the first place.

More or less, that's why I'm at the end of my rope. It's been 2.5 weeks since they've completed the timing chain job, and I tried to pickup the vehicle, and it remains there for diagnosis.

At this point, the only time I get information is by calling in repeatedly. Based upon the information I've received, I have a suspicion that they are pouring over the car in detail in order to find some problem causing an "engine hesitation" that is not timing related, and thus, outside the timing chain service warranty.

My preference would be to have the car towed to a different shop, and start the diagnostics from scratch.

The reasons for my suspicion?
A) They keep scheduling new diagnostics without telling me what is going on, and not giving me an update (even on a weekly basis; I've got to call in!)
B) Every "diagnostic" has been aimed at finding a problem that is 100% unrelated to the timing system. (1. Transmission valve body. 2. Fuel system leak. 3. Compression testing. 4. "Socket box". 5. Possibly bent valve from the timing being off).
C) I've been told over and over that "we didn't drive the vehicle when it came in, and therefore, are not responsible for the condition". Which is goofy; before the tensioner was replaced by the indy, the car was perfectly servicable and drivable, with the only indication being a timing chain clatter on startup before the oil pressure built up. Since then, out of an abundance of caution, I had the vehicle towed to the dealer; not because it wasn't drivable, or indeed, acted normally, but because I didn't want to even risk causing damage based upon the timing chain jumping a tooth on the 30 mile ride to the dealer.
D) There I've been surprised by the "waiting for a tool" that I've heard related to what should be pretty standard testing. (1. Waiting for a tool to do the compression test (3 days), 2. Socket box test (4 days).) Given that I see a pile of Sprinters around, and they have a Sprinter specialist SA and techs, I would have though those tools (especially the compression test) would be pretty standard kit.

Unfortunately, I cannot find a shop that I would have more reason to trust. There are some other Sprinter/MB dealers in the area, but most have just started to sell Sprinters in the past couple of years.

I do have an indy I trust, but this kind of major engine work is outside of his scope. There are some other indy's I've looked at in the area, but its' difficult to choose one for this level of engine work without a referral, especially since virtually no-one has a great deal of experience working on these engines.

EDIT: The other issue I have is I'm not sure how willing a different dealer is going to be to point fingers, if there is truly a timing related issue. My understanding is that there is an unwritten rule not to throw the other guy under the bus. Unfortunately, there is no way for me to prove that I'm not looking for revenge, I really just want to have a working car

A cer

Hi Samiran, This is my 1st post.

I bought a 2009 GL320 mid-Sept after plenty of reading on this and other websites. I saw your story the other day.

Man.... what a bummer....

You could try Star European Imports in Yorkville IL. about 40 miles SW of Chicago. It's a family owned used MB lot with full service shop. http://starmercedes.com/

They were friendly and seemed genuine when they did a pre-purchase inspection for me. That's where I'll be going for service that I can't do myself.

I don't know if they are diesel Gurus or if they can help you.
Might be worth a phone call?

EDIT - I talked mostly with John, the owner.

bha

Get your truck out of there as soon as possible, and find another shop.


They're making up excuses. Sounds like they're stalling while they figure out what is wrong. The first time someone tells me "it's not my problem" then tries to figure out how to weasel out of a warranty, I get the heck out of there.


Tell them 'thanks very much, I'm going elsewhere, I'll contact you if it ends up being related to the (warrantied) work that you did'.


Get to a dealer and have them do an initial diagnosis, then decide whether to have them fix it OR go to an indy shop.

samiran

Yeah, I'm definitely going to do this tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.