E350cdi injector seal leak, I think.

[moog999]

Hi folks.

Car is a 265hp 2011 e350 cdi, 85k miles.
Noticed on and off for months the odd whiff of diesel on 1st starting the car that would settle very quickly and not come back sometimes for a few days.

Only now just got round to looking it up and sounds very much like an injector seal issue. Checked under the engine and can see some light oily residue on the right hand bank under all the gubbins that hides the injectors.

I can see a seal kit is dead cheap but, assuming the injectors come out ok, how much of a job is it for a keen DIY have a go mechanic. I've changed injextors before on an Volvo V70, they just popped straight out no bother.

Probably worth getting a price from the Indy garage I've used before but wondered if anyone on here had done it and how tricky it was.

Thanks.

 

[Joesoap17]

It depends on what tools you have?
Injector removal can be luck of the draw, some easy others a pig but its worth a go yourself, especially as you seem to have caught it early? they can be real pig if the crap has built up around them.

Look at the how to's on you tube and forums and decide whether its something you want to tackle?

 

[merc85]

You sure the Oil leak is not from the Turbo intake pipe, From memory there is a Orange coloured O ring that leaks.

If its fuel it could also be from the rubber hose for the Injector return rail.

Injectors tend to Puff when leaking, Sounding like there chuffing on tick over.

Finger's crossed for you sir.

 

[moog999]

Thanks guys. I need to take some of the gubbins off the top of the engine so can get a better look.

Only tools I dont have are injector removal and seat grinding whatsits but didn't need them on the volvo.

It's only minor at the moment anyway so no mad rush.

 

[moog999]

So this is probably bad but then what are the consequences of just living with it?

Took the intake pipework off and cleaned up all the muck that was over the right side of the engine. Put pipework back on, started up and now we have a pronounced chug, chug, chug from the left hand bank.

Took the left side air filter housing off to reveal injector nearest the cabin is caked in rock hard black kyrptonite type gunk. That ain't shifting with a blast or degreaser.

All back together again and took it for a good thrashing. The thing is, the car runs perfectly and has done since buying it nearly 12months ago. Apart from the odd whiff of diesel starting up is it going to cause me any bigger problems further down the line?

 

[moog999]

Oh and with the engine cover back on and bonnet closed it sounds normal. And from inside the car again, normal sounds.

Still won't hurt to get a quote to get it sorted bit bit need to pay for my summer holidays first.

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine btw

 

[Joesoap17]

yes when you possibly fail the new MOT?
it will get worse and become harder to remove take it out yourself or take it to a garage shouldn't cost more than £120 quid to fix.

 

[moog999]

Hmmmmmmmmm....passed mot 2weeks ago.

£120 isn't the end of the world.

If it wasn't caked in shit already I'd have a go myself. That stuff is rock hard isn't it!! I'd be a bit worried about ending up with a car that needs recovering. I'll drop into my nearest Indy at some point and let them have suck through their teeth at me.

 

[Joesoap17]

Not been through the new MOT yet so depends on tester, if he hears chuffing sound could fail it on one of the new categories/

Yeah get it to an indie or diesel specialist, sure they will have seen plenty!!

 

[sturgeon]

I haven't had it, or done it, but I'm sure I've read on here somewhere that part of the key to the removal is to get the engine well warmed up before trying to remove the injector. This softens the black gunge enough to let you free the injector. Thought there was a sticky by Olly on here about it. Prob. dreaming!

 

[Joesoap17]

No sturgeon I remember seeing it also when I was on the forum years back under another user name which I forgot and because of the email issue couldn't get a reminder so decided to start again I am sure I joined at least 10 yrs ago but for the life of me cant remember my handle from then!!
Age is a terrible thing I am finding!!

 

[merc85]

Yep id be getting that done when you can, That stuff can get everywhere, it gets tougher the longer its left.

1st time ive heard of a 212 v6 getting a leaking injector.

 

[sturgeon]

You are so right about ageing Joesoap17! But thanks for confirming I'm not delusional...well not always anyway

 

[moog999]

1st time ive heard of a 212 v6 getting a leaking injector.

Trust me to end up with one!! FFS.

 

[merc85]

Trust me to end up with one!! FFS.

 

[moog999]

Booked in for next Monday.

Garage say they allow 2hrs for the job so shouldn't be too bad. They reckon they do see the odd leaky injector on the 212 V6 CDIs so something they've done before, and reassured me they have a good record for getting them out.

Fingers crossed.

 

[jaymanek]

The V6 ones dont normally seize so you should be fine. We use Wurth Injector Ex to clear off all the black deposits.

Recutting and cleaning the injector seat is essential, so its best to let the garage do this one.

 

[moog999]

Sorted today. Cost £98 Inc vat.

Apparently it came out fairly easy so could've been worse I suppose.

I'm determined to try and go for a month now without either the car, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, kettle or coffee machine going wrong. Literally all the appliances in that list have needed replacement or repair in the last 6 weeks! FFS.

 

[sturgeon]

Result I'd say! Average DW repair is probably more than that - if not "throw it away and get a new one" !

 

[clk320x]

Sorted today. Cost £98 Inc vat.

Apparently it came out fairly easy so could've been worse I suppose.

I'm determined to try and go for a month now without either the car, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, kettle or coffee machine going wrong. Literally all the appliances in that list have needed replacement or repair in the last 6 weeks! FFS.

Worked out well