W124 E300 diesel engine

[k langdon]

Hi guys,

I've just taken delivery of a multi-valve estate. In the engine bay about 4 inches directly above the oil filler cap (as you look at the engine from the front) there's an orange coloured rubber ribbed thingy.

I don't know what it's called and what it does, but mine's slightly split at one end and looks as though it needs replacing.

Is this serious, how quickly should I do it and is it expensive??

Cheers,

Kevin

 

[230K]

Hi

Any chance of a pic, does the car have cruise, the only thing i can think of that looks like that is a gaiter on the cruise linkages.

230K

 

[k langdon]

No the car doesn't have cruise.

You can't miss this thing because as soon as you open the bonnet you see the narrow orange rubber ribbed thing (2/3 inches long) right above the oil filler cap and just below the six cylinder engine in the centre of the engine bay.

I suppose unless you've got the multi-valve engine this probably doesn't make much sense.

 

[Karl]

No the car doesn't have cruise.

You can't miss this thing because as soon as you open the bonnet you see the narrow orange rubber ribbed thing (2/3 inches long) right above the oil filler cap and just below the six cylinder engine in the centre of the engine bay.

I suppose unless you've got the multi-valve engine this probably doesn't make much sense.

Surely can't be 4 inches above the oil filler cap, you wouldn't be able to close the bonnet.
Is it above the oil filter cap at the rear of the engine ?

 

[k langdon]

It's in the middle of the engine bay.

The oil filler cap's at the front and the orange rubber ribbed thing is directly above it - maybe it's 2/3 inches above the filler cap as you look at the engine bay from the front.

I'm sure someone with a multi-valve engine will know what I mean (i hope so anyway!!).

 

[GordonTarling]

maybe it's 2/3 inches above the filler cap as you look at the engine bay from the front.

Rather than being ABOVE the filler cap, I think you probably mean that it's 2-3 inches BEHIND the filler cap? Sorry I can't help any more than that as I don't have that engine, but if you could post a picture I'm sure you'd receive a hundred replies!

 

[DITTRICH]

...i'll look at mine at lunchtime
Les

 

[k langdon]

Gordon,

You're right!! Obviously my technical knowledge comeing to the fore here!!

Hopefully, that will clarify things for people on the forum. It's the orange rubber ribbed thing approx 3 inches directly behind the oil filler cap.

Les, thanks in advance for looking at lunchtime. As you have the same engine, hopefully it's obvious to you!?!

I'll try and post a pic, but I'm not going to be near my digital camera for a day or two.

 

[DITTRICH]

My thingy was once yellow but its now black and oily
See here...
I think it just protects the wire inside from crud getting into the wire sleeve.
And I do have cruise control.
Cheers
Les

 

[k langdon]

Les,

You've idfentified the thing I've been talking about!!! - thanks for that.

Mine has a small split at one end and it's now all oily. Therefore, I think it probably needs replacing to help protect the wire inside and stop the small amount of oil spilling onto the area around it. I'm glad that it looks as though it's a small thing and not a big issue.

Les, thanks once again.

Cheers,

Kevin

 

[Vlad]

Edited

 

[Vlad]

Edited....I gave duff info

 

[wagger]

the item in question is a rubber gaiter on the end of the throttle cable, it is there to keep dirt out from the cable. i doubt you can buy the gaiter as a separate part, i would assume that it is only available with a new cable.

 

[k langdon]

Took the car in for a service yesterday and the manager said not to worry about it as it's not a problem.

I know that there's always derogatory remarks towards dealers, but I have to recommend MB in Bath.

The car I've just bought has full main dealer service history throughout and every receipt for all service and other work done since 17,000. It was the clincher for me when I bought it and so I've decided to carry on with a dealer servicing the car.

I chose Bath over Bristol from other recommendations on this and another site.

I got a nice brand new A class courtesy car. Rather good, but the ride's still pretty firm. It had the new 7 speed variable tiptronic gearbox which I really liked.

Anyway, they kept me fully informed all the way through the day as to what they were doing and what was needed. They gave the car a thorough going over to check for any faults.

In the end they changed oil and filter, brake fluid, coolant, front and back wipers and one headlamp wiper, unblocked 2 washer valves, adjusted the handbrake and replaced some interior light bulbs.

The total bill was just under £300 which I didn't think was too bad. I was treated with great respect even though my car is an M reg and not a new one.

I was late getting back to pick up the car and there was no problem. I even said I didn't have time to put back in the fuel that I'd used and wasn't charged for this.

My car was nicely presented and all cleaned up as well. Plus, the reassuring thing is they said my estate is very up together and there are no major problems lurking around the corner.

The dealer is moving to new premises just outside Bath in June, but even though it's further for me to go, I'll carry on using them for the personal service that they provide.