5hundo

Hey guys...

So, we're pretty bummed right now. My wife has about 120k on our 2008 ML320CDI, and we really like the vehicle. A few days ago, it went into "limp mode", and we took it into the dealer. They diagnosed it, and said that some type of valve needed replacing, and it required intake/turbo removal. I know that's a bit vague but I'll get you more details when I get the vehicle back on Monday. I asked how they knew it was this component and he said he tried to actuate it with their computer, and it wouldn't work so they seem confident.

Anyway, they also diagnosed a oil cooler leak, which may or may not be the case. The intake gaskets on this thing have always leaked a little but if the intake comes off, we might as well address that too since it's a common fault. For all of this, we were quoted over $3k. That's got my wife thinking about other vehicles, not of the Mercedes variety...

Realistically, how hard is removing the intake/turbo to do? I have been servicing this vehicle myself for the last few years, so I feel like I am fairly capable. I just don't want to get in there and find out that I need $1000 of specialized tools that I don't have. What do you guys think?

EDIT: I think its the inlet port shutoff motor, or servo motor. I forget what he said.

marc hanna

The oil cooler leak is not a DIY unless you are have advanced skills. The other issue, I think you need a confirmation on the exact repair required before we can offer any advice.

5hundo

Got the diagnosis back from the dealer today. It's the "Inlet Port Shutoff Motor". Also said that there is a oil cooler leak. I think either one of these require intake removal, but the invoice says that the motor only requires turbo removal.

It looks like this is a common problem on this vehicle, so others have blazed the trail before me. I'm gonna give it a shot on my own. I'm not paying $3700 to fix a problem that only requires $1000 in parts.

Any advice appreciated! I'm looking at getting parts from https://www.getmercedesparts.com but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance!!!

boblydon

It is a large job to do, removing the turbo is a right pain. No special tools are required, just a lot of time and patience. To do the inlet port motor you are best part of the way to do the oil seals, thats an easy job once you get down there.
I' done a few now but it never gets any easier.
Bob

5hundo

Yeah, I've been looking at some previous threads both here, and other places. Looks like a mess but I think I can handle it.

I've been reading online about people actually replacing the intakes completely rather than cleaning them. What's the consensus about that? I'll need to buy a solvent tank to clean them but you can get small ones for $50, so that's no factor. It was for another vehicle but I guess there's a concern about pieces of the shutoffs breaking off, and lodging in the valve train. Is that a legitimate concern?

5hundo

Also, does the oil cooler itself usually need to be replaced, or just the seals? I'm getting ready to order parts.

amthatiam

Replace the oil cooler while you are in there, a number of people have done just the seals only to have it leak again after doing all the work. I recently replaced the cooler and seals on my GL320 (same engine) take your time it is very doable.

Dan

5hundo

Appreciate it Dan...

Did you have good luck removing the intakes? I've heard that people can sometimes damage them when they remove them.

chsu74

Here is everything you need to know to get down to the oil cooler seals. The mechanic may be referring to the swirl motor which do go bad.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...oler-leak.html

5hundo

Hey guys. Just a quick update:

So, it was the inlet flap motor, and the oil seals. I'm in the process of doing the work now. I've started tearing into the engine, and everything is going okay but I've noticed another potential issue. When I removed the foam padding around the fuel injectors, I noticed this. Didn't really like the way that looked. What do you guys think:

dave2001auto

Looks like coked oil. Likely will need to be cleaned out before it starts shorting out injectors.

5hundo

Wonderful... Thanks for the input, Dave!!!

If the battery is disconnected, I can disconnect the lines going to the injectors, correct? And if I do, will the system bleed itself? I've been hearing horror stories from diesel mechanics.

5hundo

Is that oil blowing past the injectors, or what? I'm starting to get a bit concerned about where it came from...

clvincent

it is the injector seals leaking

cheap parts
but you will need the correct injector puller probably
baum sells a kit

i would recommend pulling the glow plugs and cleaning/reaming those holes also- my mechanic does this when he pulls the injectors
baum makes a kit for this too

this is a problem on the 2005-2006 e class diesel motors and evidently they used the exact same set up for these diesels
search black death- which sounds worse than it is

we will all be dealing with this sooner or later
everyone should pull the black foam stuff out and keep an eye on the seals

my suggestion is to do them all now while you have it apart

i just had to do 2 on my GL320 and if one more leaks the rest are getting done all at once

how many miles on your motor?

5hundo

About 125,000 right now. I'll look into the baum kit. Thanks for the info!!!

chsu74

Pls post a link of the repair kit. Thanks!