Help your M157 live longer

[f17ant]

Well I've found the plug on my engine and it's very easily accessible on the R231 as there is so much space in the engine bay. I'm hesitating though as there doesn't seem to be much info on the web about this and I'd have thought that if it was such a good mod there would be more people doing it. Any of the indy mechanics like to comment about it's validity?

I do get what you mean, apparently the M177 has the same solenoid and when you look at all the stage 2 M157 and stage 2 M177 that are running strong makes you think do we really need to unplug this ? And I have on the internet only seen 1 failure.

I would much prefer to replace the solenoid with something else that keeps the pressure high has no moving parts but still plugs into the ecu to keep that happy. Just like the exhuast valve simulators

 

[badgx]

Can anyone confirm from Tasos video on post 8 that the solenoid that he has taken apart is from either a M157 or M278 or is it from another mercedes engine???

The reason I say this is some solenoids push the plunger outwards and others push inwards to control oil flow. So the solenoid on a model might not operate the same as another model.

This is the photo, is this Solenoid from M157/M278???

 

[badgx]

Update-

Just to confirm the oil pump solenoid shown in Tasos video does not appear to be from an M278 or M157? It looks slightly different to some online parts sites that I've been comparing to.

Anyways I have successfully unplugged the oil pump solenoid, took only 30 minutes. You have to remove the lower service panel, access to the plug is from underneath of the car. To remove the plug (2 pin), there is a grey tab that needs to slide outwards with a pick before you unplug. Be very careful not to break as the plugs are fragile. I then used insulating tape and also covered up with fabric tape and then zipped tided it.

I have not really noticed much of a big difference, however I seem to think the revs are a bit more responsive. I'm not sure whether it's my mind playing games but the revs does feel quicker.

In terms of engine noise, not noticing any difference.

I have uploaded a video that I took and would be grateful if someone could upload your revs whilst in neutral gear. I could then compare videos, the revs seems quicker but again I'm not sure??? (Ps if your planning to upload a video of your revs, make sure the engine warms up).

I also noticed the stop start was inactive, not sure if its just a coincident but the auxiliary battery might be low charge??

Urgently need to visually see a M278 or M157 oil pump solenoid myself for peace of mind as Tasos video does seem to show a different looking solenoid.

I've just pm'd a message to Jobsworth for an opinion on the M157/M278 oil pump solenoid. Hopefully if not busy, he might chime in. Fingers crossed its an open solenoid which will allow greater flow when unplugged.

Forgot to mention, no engine lights other than code P06DA 00.

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[badgx]

Found some useful info and details on FCP EURO website. I believe the oil pump solenoid part number is 2781800415 Interestingly, it would appear this part fits many models such as M278, M157, etc. The application list is on their website

This is how the solenoid looks, slightly different in appearance with plastic ends as opposed to metal ended construction.

 

[Amg 007]

Thanks for checking badgx very helpfull as usual, please report back once you have driven car for few miles & if you noticed any difference

 

[ToeKnee]

From memory of looking earlier at mine, I don't remember it looking like that and looking at your pictures, again it looks different.

 

[badgx]

Thanks for checking badgx very helpfull as usual, please report back once you have driven car for few miles & if you noticed any difference

Will do

 

[badgx]

From memory of looking earlier at mine, I don't remember it looking like that and looking at your pictures, again it looks different.

The solenoid lives inside and attached to the oil pump, it's not accessible. The only bit you can see from the outside of the engine is the external connection where the plug connects to, situated near the crank pulley. Added a photo of it, can see the external plug end. Someone removed it and selling this used part on ebay

 

[badgx]

Attached some further useful information on pdf, its the same story with other manufacturers who use 2 stage oil pressure systems in their cars

 

[badgx]

Forgot to attach this

 

[ToeKnee]

The solenoid lives inside and attached to the oil pump, it's not accessible. The only bit you can see from the outside of the engine is the external connection where the plug connects to, situated near the crank pulley. Added a photo of it, can see the external plug end. Someone removed it and selling this used part on ebay

View attachment 151156

Ok, that makes sense!

 

[ToeKnee]

Here's the part....

 

[Will]

Whilst I understand the logic behind this, in practical terms this long after production is there much point? Stable door and horse bolting comes to mind!

I mean, most vehicles with these engines will be around a decade old with tens of thousands of miles on them by now. Any damage would already be done - and if this is a genuine issue why has it taken until now for this to be flagged like this?

Not trying to put a downer on it, but on the contrary the M157 was used in quite a lot of vehicles for several years, we don’t really see many issues related to this do we?

A bit like the panic over the oil pickup ‘o’ rings on the M113 after twenty years!

Not denying the existence of any such technicalities, just a little perspective

 

[badgx]

Just want to say big thanks to f17ant for creating this thread.

If it weren't for OP, I wouldn't have known about this. I'll feed back on updates in a weeks time. No need rush if thinking about unplugging, its best to make an informed decision.

 

[badgx]

Whilst I understand the logic behind this, in practical terms this long after production is there much point? Stable door and horse bolting comes to mind!

I mean, most vehicles with these engines will be around a decade old with tens of thousands of miles on them by now. Any damage would already be done - and if this is a genuine issue why has it taken until now for this to be flagged like this?

Not trying to put a downer on it, but on the contrary the M157 was used in quite a lot of vehicles for several years, we don’t really see many issues related to this do we?

A bit like the panic over the oil pickup ‘o’ rings on the M113 after twenty years!

Not denying the existence of any such technicalities, just a little perspective

Mines only covered 27k from new, so should in theory gain maximum benefit. If I had a higher mileage car, I would do the same too as it can help with the oiling and let the engine live a bit longer. Touchwood

 

[f17ant]

Whilst I understand the logic behind this, in practical terms this long after production is there much point? Stable door and horse bolting comes to mind!

I mean, most vehicles with these engines will be around a decade old with tens of thousands of miles on them by now. Any damage would already be done - and if this is a genuine issue why has it taken until now for this to be flagged like this?

Not trying to put a downer on it, but on the contrary the M157 was used in quite a lot of vehicles for several years, we don’t really see many issues related to this do we?

A bit like the panic over the oil pickup ‘o’ rings on the M113 after twenty years!

Not denying the existence of any such technicalities, just a little perspective

I do get where you’re coming from and like I said in a post so many m157 are running around on 660 bhp with no issues so was this failure I saw online just unlucky ?

 

[f17ant]

Just want to say big thanks to f17ant for creating this thread.

If it weren't for OP, I wouldn't have known about this. I'll feed back on updates in a weeks time. No need rush if thinking about unplugging, its best to make an informed decision.

Haha no problem buddy, I just saw it on a Instagram post and decided to share the video. Maybe it is over hyped or maybe it’s not I don’t know but thought it was worth sharing at least

 

[ToeKnee]

I'm not considering this mod to protect my engine from premature failure but to see if it runs any better. Nothing wrong with the way it runs now but there is some evidence it's smoother, revs better etc.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Better oil pressure at low revs certainly can't hurt.....

 

[badgx]

Interesting video showing a close up teardown of M278, which unfortunately has suffered some cylinder scouring. Video doesn't deeply explore the route cause but is nice to see a close up of the internals. Also he weirdly found a leaf in the oil filter

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