Time to Replace a Fuel Injector?

I would get a second opinion. Typically, if something is clogged, it can be cleaned. Also, check/replace fuel filter. I don't know about the cost. It's possible you just need to replace fuel filter and run a couple of cans of injector cleaner through the system.

You told about replacing the injectors. What class? The A class is more difficult to work on. Probably they need to order the injectors. In most Mercedes dealerships, they keep these in stock. Different from the older injectors, they replace the complete injector. Replacing 4 injectors should take no longer than 2 hours. You can check for the price of the injectors in a Bosch station too. Dealerships have normally a fixed price for this replacement, guided by Mercedes service. The 3 days are IMO only possible: 1. If they have no stock and need to order (but they can still order them and call you when available) 2. They are (too)busy to help you immediately or on appointment. 3. Or they take them to rebuild by a third party. These injectors should last at least 100.000 miles before replacement, unless you had a fuel issue - no clean diesel, bio diesel, or water in the system. Mine had 150,000 Miles. It is difficult to say how much to pay, we have no details where the repair will be done. Sometimes in this case a dealership is the best way to go. Or DIY. Replacing injectors is not that difficult. A good address for parts in the US is KWParts in Charlotte. A good manual you can find at Mercedesmanuals.com

GA

I personally expect, with proper care - water removal, good diesel filter etc., that the injects last an exceedingly long time, in excess of even 100,000 miles.......

Usage of petrol (gas in the US) in winter could reduce the life of both the injectors and the injector pump (of any type)......only use this in an emergency. A diesel pre heater is far far better.

For me personally "clogged" means dirty, so something is wrong here with maintenance and water....if the comment is true. I tend to think water, so new injectors will not help, unless the old ones are already rust!! Which must be very rare indeed.

Driving a lot with the tank mostly empty will allow a lot of condensed water to collect in the tank......this could be his problem....

He should replace the diesel filter, empty the water trap in the filter assy, fill the tank and add about a pint (0.5 Liter) of denatured (methylated) spirits to the full tank (100:1 or so!!)and see what happens once this tank has been used up, with a bit of luck the injectors will now be "clean" (of water or dirt!)...

Do not over do the spirits as this is not a good lubricant for the pump......sometimes in extreme cases, a second time will be needed.

#If that does not help, then go with the injector replacement.....

By the way, bad/worn injectors generally means a black exhaust smoke, has anyone checked for that when you drive?

I have owned tens of Mercedes diesel cars, vans and trucks. I think the poster says clogged, while they are NOT clogged.

Injectors fail when the spring is lame or the nozzle becomes worn out. It results in black smoke out of the tailpipe. I have never seen a CLOGGED injector.

Mercedes stopped producing and/or importing diesel cars to the US in the 124 model with 4 and 6 cylinder engines with pre- combustion chamber.

In 1995 they started again with the direct injection engines (CDI). There have been issues before because the diesel fuel in the US is different from Europe.

I have used 5 mercedes cars in the Bahamas and besides electronics and bad flex prints, they haven't given us no problems. (each 200,000 to 400,000 on the counter)

The CDI, like the poster has should not go to a "allround mechanic MERCEDES EXPERT hmm - I've met many and the bills are worse than in a dealership.

I do not see a lot of diesel car expertise on this forum and surely not for Mercedes. I just talk out of experience. I keep all the cars running now: oldest 1985 - newest 1994. CDI is a lot simpler but I don't buy Mercedes anymore, unless a dealership can service them, because of the unreliable electronics issues.

I also have not experienced "crooked" MB dealerships in Europe, because their repairs are strictly monitored from the factories and importers. The service is according strict tariffs per work part and are guaranteed by MB. They take complaints very serious.

And a personal note: the MB diesels have cost a fraction of maintenance, compared to all the different makes we had on the side. (volvo, BMW, oldsmobile, chevrolet, dodge) Now I live in the boonies, but based in the US or Europe MB will be continued. Regards, D.

and besides electronics and bad flex prints, they haven't given us no problems.
I rest my case your honour.
Guy I work with had to have his lifted onto a flat bed truck and taken to the dealership because they couldn't even get into it when the electronics played up!
That is just seriously bad design.
Pencil in my usual rant about car electronics.
I wasn't saying a dealership wouldactually deliberately rip him off, but they just start by changing the most accessible item within a 10' radius of the symptom and continue until they fix it or you sell the car, you never get reimbursed for the parts changed which were ok, nor do you get the parts back. I wonder if they get re-used to check the next 'problem' or just thown away?

Del

I agree with del 100%... In the old days, a GOOD mechanic (honest & knowledgeable) earned his money the "old fashioned" way. Todays electronics-assisted troubleshooting systems have turned a lot of techs into "part changers".

How much and how long should be irrelevant if you are dealing with the right person. Finding that person could be a challenge. If you can find him, (usually grey(ing) hair), patronize him regularly and he'll do you right every time. Word-of-mouth is a good indicator but not foolproof. We've ALL been conned before.

I have a conscience. When I'm wrong, or break something, I can't expect someone else to pay for my mistakes. Work ethic and principals are evaporating under the global greed system.

caveat emptor...

Well, you can't put them in the drill press and open um up.

It will cost far more than you think it should. And take 5 days because the first set of injectors they get in will be for a Ford.

Don't let them change the muffler bearings. They never go bad.

If it's a complete disaster, this guy can get you fixed right up.

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/58436/Steve-Slepcevic-Top-10-Things-to-Do-When-Disaster-Strikes

Joke alert, not intended to be taken seriously!

I have not had the pleasure (?) of owning/running a Mercedes, and have driven very few, so I cannot comment on criticism towards them. However, I would be more inclined to knock the mechanic who gave this advice, and who is clearly an idiot. It is hard these days to find a good mechanic you can trust (for me, this is the most stressful part of relocating!).

Diesel injectors don't get blocked (pressures too high, and fuel is filtered), and only need replacing when they wear out, which is usually manifested by increased and continuous production of black smoke from the exhaust, and these days this should not happen before 120k-150k miles (often much more).

Deposits can (and probably will) accumulate in the injectors and fuel system, which can affect performance, but this can be easily dealt with either in-situ with fuel additives or specialist chemical cleaners, or at worst by removing the injectors and using chemical and/or ultrasonic cleaning equipment.

If you don't have locally a good mechanic you can trust (and if you have doubts about the honesty/competence of the Mercedes dealer), it is probably best to consult a specialist in Diesels or Fuel Injection (such as http://www.uniteddiesel.co.uk/ )who should give good advice, and will at least have the right equipment for cleaning/calibrating injectors, and in some cases will also refurbish them.

Consider these options first, as replacing injectors does not come cheap (I would guess £1200-1500 minimum). The injectors should be available same day, and replacement should be a quick job, not three days!

By the way, vehicle manufacturers do not make the injectors or fuel systems on their engines. These are generally designed and manufactured as sub-systems by the likes of Bosch, Siemens, Delphi and Denso, who supply their systems to many engine and vehicle manufacturers, including Mercedes.

Here you can start with:

you will need 4 - check also the refurbished options.

They will probably cost about $70 each plus 2 hours work. I always have a spare set

here, because of difficult supply to the Islands. (sorry- the picture didn't come in)

MERCEDES-BENZ Series A 170 CDI Bosch Common Rail Injector 0445110014

View larger image

CODE: 0445110014

Price: £111.63

In stock

Diesel Injector Exchange Options (?): Please select option Send when my parts arrive REFUNDABLE SURCHARGE (+£50.00) Outright purchase (+£100.00) Quantity: Add to wish list Add to compare list

thank you all for your very helpful comments, including the joker! seriously they were very helpful.