Correct way to change spark plug wire boot 116 engine chassis126 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

donbryce · #1 07-12-2004, 10:07 PM

I know this seems like a dumb question, but I looked all through my W126 (engine 116) engine manual and there isn't a word on how to change one of these. I have 4 new ones that I hope are the right ones (BERU ZLE121, marked '1 K ohms'), and 1 of these is definitely fried on the 4th cylinder right bank rear. They are rubber-cased with a metal jacket, and feel like there's all sorts of stuff inside.
I read a post that said all you need to do is insert the wire and turn the boot clockwise, presumably to screw it in/on. Peering into the hole, though, I see a metal sleeve about the diameter of the wire, and a strange looking cylindrical cup-like piece about 1/8" diameter, that looks like it would touch the end of the wire when the wire is pushed all the way in. Nothing that looks like a screw though.
Can anyone tell me the procedure to replace one of these? How does the old wire come out? Does it need to be 'dressed' before inserting in the new boot?

donbryce · #2 07-13-2004, 10:21 AM

OK, I was lazy posting last night. Today I found the answers on the Beru website....so here's the link for anyone interested:

http://www.beru.com/download/produkte/stecker-TI05_e.pdf

I'd still be interested in hearing from anyone who's done this without the fancy tools though...like what do you do if the wire twists out of the crimped male connector, inside the old boot? Can it be re-attached?

joel · #3 07-13-2004, 11:29 AM

Visit your friendly MB dealer, they sell plug wires in bulk.

In my case, i brought in my problematic wire, they measured it up, spliced-up the new wire and replaced back my rubber connector, right in front of me. I just paid for the wire and the metal end piece.

Cheapest MB dealer visit ever had.

donbryce · #4 07-13-2004, 11:39 AM

Unfortunately, there is no dealer in my city, nearest is 2 hours drive. Thanks for the info though, now I at least know that there is a metal tip involved. I'm just praying that it comes off with the wire when I twist the boot counterclockwise to remove it....funny thing is that the small recess which you can see deep inside the new boot doesn't look threaded, so maybe I have the wrong boot?

fish4stripers · #5 07-13-2004, 05:12 PM

Don,

Check this threadout for Steveb's procedure, see if it helps you.

Car out of winter storage, now shaky idle, stumbling off idle

I havent ventured to my arcing wire yet, frying bigger fish first!

donbryce · #6 07-13-2004, 09:01 PM

Thanks for the lead to Steve Brotherton's post, as that was exactly what I planned to do. However....I actually just washed up from exploring the plug boot and pulling 1 plug. The boots are original Bosch, not the Beru's I have! These have an actual screw in them that turns right into the wire core as you twist it in. To use the Beru's I have, I'd need to find a dealer or someone with the little ends and proper crimping tool. That's the bad news. The good news: I cleaned up the boot I thought was shot and with the corrosion gone, it looks fine. I suppose I'll try and flog the Beru boots on EBay sometime (list at $24.00 each, BTW). Now, back to trying to find the cause of my slightly stumbling idle....