Torx/Star size please!

[Messa]

I am going to attempt to change my glow plugs on a '99 C250TD and i understand that the inlet manifold has to be removed to get at them. Can anyone tell me the size of torx key i need for this please?

Also I have heard scare stories of the plugs snapping regularly when trying to get them out, is pre-heating the engine before removal still good advice, or has anyone got a better tip?

I was quoted £180 for this job, and actually had it booked in until the garage had to cancel. I am guessing at about £15 per plug for me to buy, would this sound about right?

Thanks in advance,

Messa

 

[jeremy]

I did mine a few weeks ago.. its a Torx T40. It was a straight forward, I was quoted over £200 for the job. It took me about 2 hours and just followed Haynes to the letter. I did have to crank the engine for about a minute to suck the fuel back from the fuel tank to get it started.

I had to drive to my mates workshop so the engine was warm. Not sure if this helped but plugs were not tight at all. I spoke to an experiencesd Merc mechanic who said he had only seen 2 snap in 15 years.. so the odds are in your favour! I did put some copper grease on then for ease of removal next time... Plugs cost me about a £10 from German and Swedish..

I'm having starting problems at the moment.. is yours starting ok? Can you see any air in your diesl pipes leading to and from your fuel filter?..

 

[Messa]

Hi Jeremy thanks for the info, it is a great help.

Starting is ok at the moment, but I will check the fuel pipe as you asked so you can compare.

Let you know later.

Neil

 

[Messa]

That web site is a great tip thanks!

Jeremy did you replace the manifold gasket while you had it off? If so, is it a 'valve cover gasket' as i also want to order one and that is all i can find on the website?

thanks,

Neil

 

[jeremy]

I don't think G&S sell the 'gasket'. The gasket is infact a series of 'o' rings and I got them from MB dealer, 10 in total.. and about £10.

Just as an aside.. I recently bought a new original spec battery from Hughs MB in aylesbury for £70.. They were on offer as over £100 else where.

Feel free to contact me in future if I can be any help..

Jeremy

 

[Messa]

Hi Jeremy, i took the plunge and did the plugs this morning, it took about 2 1/2 hours (although 30 mins of that was trying to retrieve my socket from the top of the engine scuff guard ).

Plugs came out fine, and i was glad i tackled the job myself, as the 'o' rings off the manifold were solid and had started to leak fluid down the block, also the injector pipes (i think they are) on top of the engine were rubbing on the plastic case that sits over them and were part worn through, so I was able to reroute these and so have averted another bill i think.

Just to let others know, the supplier Jeremy recommended...

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/

.... came up trumps and the whole job only cost about £70 ( i dropped on a free delivery offer !)


I did check the lines for air/leaks but they do not bubble and i have just fluid, so maybe that is a pointer to your running problem.

thanks again,

Neil