HappyFamilyVan
Captain Ahab
Thanks for the replies.
on my 2015, I ended up pulling the hose between the turbo and air filter. no realistic way to get this fuel filter out without doing so.
apologies for further moving away from the main topic, but I am trying to see if I can replace the fuel filter without disturbing the turbo inlet seal.
the input turbo hose is at the top of this photo, and the mounting screw is just visible between the hose and fuel filter.
Got this far into it, and think I need to buy more tools. a flex drive and or ball end 5mm hex bit might let me loosen up the radial mounting without taking the hose off.
any suggestions?
I understand inspection and re-use DIY. It would seem that improper re-assembly is the biggest factor. Part replacement each time is the conservative approach....
Reading up on all the dire reports of turbo's ingesting the seal and self destructing I feel lucky, but skeptical that you need to replace the gasket unless it is damaged, degraded or the wrong type. I have simply reconnected the inlet tube dozens of times when doing standard maintenance, fuel filter replacement, glow-plug replacement, etc. over the last 8 years with no problems.
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This is the procedure I use. Replacement every time the seal is disturbed seems more designed to protect against damage from commercial service work where the mechanic may not be very careful about inspecting the seal, so it's easier to just replace it every time even if not necessary (on your nickel of course.) Otherwise it's not necessary to replace a seal in perfect condition, but I would have an extra on hand so (as Vic pointed out) you're not temped to put a questionable one back in service.I understand inspection and re-use DIY. It would seem that improper re-assembly is the biggest factor. Part replacement each time is the conservative approach.
I would suggest that having a new seal on hand would be worth the investment. Without a new seal on hand the temptation to re-use a questionable seal would be great. Given 8 years service perhaps install the new seal and keep the still good one as a spare.
Bummer.seems the seal I left in place did not stay there.
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Maybe diesel fuel wasn't a good choice....
I ordered a replacement seal, but decided, after close inspection, that the seal looked to be in good shape. I gave the outside of the seal a wipe with a towel wetted with some of the dieselfuel from the old filter, and put it all together. (with 3NM torque on the screws that snug the clamps on that hose.)
I think you may be on to something with "clean and dry". Even if there is oil within the hoses/system, when the seal remains tight the oil never makes it to the seal faces.... probably should have used the new seal, and made sure all mating surfaces were clean and dry, then torque to spec.
Carburetor cleaner doesn't leave any residue. I wouldn't spray it on. Dampen a rag and give it a wipe. Based only upon your experience, whatever is used to clean the area should not leave a residue and should be allowed to completely dry before installing the seal....
wondering what would be good to clean the mating surfaces with on the turbo inlet and inside of the tube.
suggestions on this welcome.
Mike, first I want to say I am so sorry this happened to your van, next I want to thank you for your original comments about changing your fuel filter. I did my 2015 today and your posts were very helpful, especially the pics of the omega shaped clamp.I have a request for quote from an independent shop.
unless it is way cheaper, I likely will let the dealer do the work. He did say he should be able to knock some off what the bill comes to. and the towing was free for me.
with under 30k on the rest of the van, I probably will go with a new turbo in any case IDparts has them for around $1300.\
indy estimate $4500. but by the time they came up with this, the dealer had the parts almost all installed
kind of an expensive lesson, but that is the way life goes sometimes.
my brother did a brake job on his chevy and spent $20k on back surgery as a result.
I now have greater apreciation for the original post. linked service note clearly says replace every time, 3 NM torque.
wondering what would be good to clean the mating surfaces with on the turbo inlet and inside of the tube.
suggestions on this welcome.
Around boats and airplanes that sounds like something which would be safety wired.... Eventually the hose could come off, and then the turbo seal can be inhaled by the turbo.
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It doesn't seem like wiring it could easily be done, at least not by me.Is this hose assembly something that could be safety wired to assure that the hose never leaves the proper position?
I heard the turbo whine, it refused to accelerate, and after I found a place to park, and had it towed to the dealer, a phone call with bad news.Mike, how did you discover the seal had been sucked In?
I found my turbo had been chewed, only upon my curious inspection of the turbo intake while changing fuel filter for the first time. All other service done my MB dealer to date. Seal is black and still in place. Doesn't look compromised in any way.
I'm with others on this. If installed correctly, how on earth does that seal manage its way off the turbo inlet, and slip into the turbo, without the inlet pipe coming out of plac, and the now loose clamp flopping around?