W163 ML270 injector repair costs

[MOZ]

Hi Guy's,
At fear of being slammed for asking another question that gets raised all of the time I apologise in advance (I have done various searches and found lots of useful info on the dreaded black death).

I am currently looking (possibly stupidly- given the horror stories and some peoples advice of Don't do it!!!!) at buying an ML 270 7 seater as a family work horse. I'm looking at a W163 model probably 2004 and will be in the region of 100k miles.

I have done a lot of research and know quite a bit now as to what to look for.

I have found one that I'm pretty interested in, it has already had some of the major common problems sorted (inlet manifold and flap motor replaced, conductor plate for transmission etc.).

I have been to look at it and all looks pretty good (rear springs look good) there is a few slight under paint bubbles in the usual areas (even on a 2004 which allegedly has the galvanised body, although I have seen evidence of this throughout the forum on the full range of galvanised Merc's).

The only doubt I have is that I removed the engine cover to check for the injector seat black death problem and sure enough (pretty much as expected knowing how common it is at this age) there was evidence of 1 injector (#4 counting from the front of the engine) leaking. It wasn't bad and looks like it has been caught early as the area was discoloured but no real build up of any classic black tar. #3 also had some discolouration but it was difficult to tell if this was spread from #4 or if #3 was starting on one side too) the others looked immaculate.

So my question is what sort of costs would I be looking at (assuming it is not too bad) and is a straight forward removal, clean, re-cut of seat, new washer ,bolts ,clamp re insert).

Clearly I will contact a couple of indies to get some pricing locally, but just checking to see what others have paid so I know whether they are taking the mick or not. Clearly if the valves are badly stuck and the job is bigger than expected then I know it will be more, but just wondering what to expect for a straightforward job, so I have an idea as to how much bartering room on the vehicle price I will need to consider.

Thanks and sorry again if I have stepped on any toes regarding dragging up same old same old questions.
Moz

 

[E270 Owner]

My advice would be leave the cover off and keep an eye on the injectors that are suspect, take a good clear picture and use that to compare and monitor any deterioration.

It could be they have already been done and your looking at old residual discoloration.

Cost can vary depending on injector removal difficulty, if a extraction is needed that involves removing the injector top/solenoid and screwing into the injector body then extracted that means the injector will need to be replaced/overhauled, great care is to be taken not to break the cam cover whilst doing this.

Slide hammering them out rarely works, also this can also damage the injectors attempting to remove them.

New injectors are @ £145.00 each
New MB copper washers and MB special grease @ £25.00
New leak off seals @ £5.00

Never re-cut the injector seats, you need to clean and polish them, only re-cut if the seat is physically damaged as a last resort and cannot be polished out.

I upgrade the MB injector stretch bolts for stainless steel Allen bolts with Time-Serts as the OEM bolts can snap,have the threads strip the bolt holes, the upgrade allows a better seal for the injector and prevents future leakage "Black Death" and injectors coming through the engine cover from bolt failure.

Heres a How To guide with part numbers etc etc if you find a local garage willing to take it on you might want to direct them to the link

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/169126-cdi-injector-bolt-repair-time-sert.html

 

[BlackC55]

If it does not need a new injector we charge £76 to re-seal one.

 

[bob6600]

leaking injector seal isn't a major problem, it's when you get one that doesn't come out or if a bolt snaps!

Find someone who is competent and has done a few, that way if there is a problem they will be comfortable dealing with it.

 

[MOZ]

Cheers Guy's, some great advice. I agree with E270_Owner about the fact that they may have been changed and teh discolour may be old damage, however The owner wasn't aware until I took the cover off and showed him the problem, so I'm sure they haven't been repaired before .

Thanks again, just the info I was after. i.e. if its a smooth job is it £50, £100,£300,£500+.

I will see if I can barter him down a few hundred quid against the risk.

Thanks again.
Pete

 

[E270 Owner]

The money is in the removal, the good thing is your engine is a runner so it can be pre heated to assist on removal.

Some mobile injector removal companies charge up to £100 to remove a sized injector.

Keep your hands in your pockets for now and just observe for now,
don't worry your new purchase will no doubt empty your bank account at some point in the near future