merc 240d 123 series (Frost plug)

shawnee

a friend just picked up one of these recently. He started it but one of the frost plugs has blown out. The plug is near the injector pump and he thinks that it would be a big job to replace it. Might even have to remove the pump at least. Any ideas on how an easy fix for this one would be appreciated.

Seweryn

shawnee wrote: »

a friend just picked up one of these recently. He started it but one of the frost plugs has blown out. The plug is near the injector pump and he thinks that it would be a big job to replace it. Might even have to remove the pump at least. Any ideas on how an easy fix for this one would be appreciated.

Do you have any photo of that and what do you mean by "blown down"? Is the glow plug just burned? If so, they are easily replacable, I did it recently in my 123T and I have one spare set of plugs if you ever need.

Good Luck.

shawnee

Thanks, but these are not glow plugs. They used be known as frost plugs and should the engine be left out in severe frost would blow out to release the water pressure instead of cracking the engine. Not sure if they are fitted in modern cars anymore and I doubt that they are.

carchaeologist

Iv heard of them referred to as "Pennies" too,presumably as they are a similiar size to an old penny coin?I doubt many modern engines have them?

245

You'd need a reasonable amount of access - the old one can be removed by driving a screwdriver through it (assuming its not out completely). The new one needs to be drifted in evenly so you need to be facing it to keep it straight - I don't think that they're a standard size though - you'd need to get an MB one to be safe - its not worth the grief of it letting go at some stage in the future. Others might be on the point of going also - might be worth considering pulling the engine and catching up on anything else that might need doing in the near future (gaskets/clutch etc)?

riggsi

i just replaced the same one in my 123 2 weeks ago i think it is 32 mm or 34 i got it from otto,gave them the reg number and they were able to tell me the size(cost 1 euro).it was the one right behind the injector pump and i took the pump off not a big deal but it was a pain in the arse and a dirty job on a diesel engine.the plug pushes in very easily and if i had to do it again i would try to just push it in with a pry bar with out taking off the pump.

If that works let me know,save me alot of hassle the next time around.

macplaxton

Ah, not a advert for Sir David Frost then :pac:

Frost/Freeze plug? or Core plug? You decide.

Core plugs is what I know them as. Sometimes you need holes in a casting in order to make it.

(Suppose it's a bit like the terms "shock absorber" and "damper" :rolleyes: )

shawnee

Yeah Riggsi sounds like the same one. Wants to avoid the dirty messy job that you just described. Might try getting one and try getting it in with a bar of some sort. Will let you know how I get on.:)

shawnee

Just had that frost plug replaced on 123 diesel using a bar to pry it in. Got the correct one by quoting chassis number and it popped in without having to remove pump etc.
Thanks a mill Riggsi for the help, this is really an excellent and helpful forum:D:D;)