OM642 Actuator clean out and refit .

[Wighty]

Due to the sunshine , I had done this job 3-4 years ago so I thought I would remove the actuator again and clean it out .
Turbo shield removed , 3 bolts .
Then the split ring on the actuator arm popped off very carefully you could tie some cotton on it , but I only did this when I refitted it .
Three bolts on the back of the actuator which released it , then I pulled the end of the pcv tube out of the batwing to get more space to free the actuator electrical plug.

Actuator removed , I popped the clips off , spray cleaned the inside with electrical contact cleaner , then added a tiny amount of high temp grease to the worm gear .
Back to together and all refitted with no issues .

 

[Droverunner]

Again ask in all innocence as a newbie to owning a 642... is this the turbo vane actuator and what is its known issues if not checked?

 

[Wighty]

Again ask in all innocence as a newbie to owning a 642... is this the turbo vane actuator and what is its known issues if not checked?

Me to buddy .
When I originally cleaned it out a few years ago at 90k ish I was hunting a fault code issue . There was at that time a lot of carbon gunk from the motor inside the actuator gumming up the worm gear . Based on a thread by @Larkone i added some high temp grease to help lube it . It still runs without issue .
The other actuator fault on these is a break in one of the small wires that connect to the outside of the board .
It was just sunny and I felt like tinkering

 

[mioba]

You are thinking too much about what needs to be done.

Replaced the actuator on my W251 last year. It was actually shot and not an OCD job. Common to fail on the ML and R.
Also a beeech of a job.

 

[EmilysDad]

You are thinking too much about what needs to be done.

Replaced the actuator on my W251 last year. It was actually shot and not an OCD job. Common to fail on the ML and R.
Also a beeech of a job.

I removed & refurb'd the actuator on my R Class. As you say, not the easiest of jobs. All has to be done blind while leaning over the engine at full stretch. I dropped a 1/4 drive extension & then dropped my magnet on an extended stick while trying to retrieve it!

 

[Botus]

Again ask in all innocence as a newbie to owning a 642... is this the turbo vane actuator and what is its known issues if not checked?

as Wighty did is sensible - but the failure mode is usually a link wire from the socket to the board - "unfortunately" Mercedes seemed to build quite a few were one of the link wires would often fall off - "unfortunately" you just solder it back on and don't give them £400 to diagnose and destroy the planet with a needless replacement

 

[Willber]

Prompted by a couple of kangaroo episodes but no EML light and the car being fine after being restart - I took my actuator off today to have a look inside and clean up. I should note I have already replaced the exhaust back pressure sensor too.

When i opened up the actuator there was quite a bit of dust, absolutely no grease on the worm gear and in fact the teeth of the worm gear looked quite pointed and worn.

Is this normal? Or does it show that the actuator probably needs replacing due to the wear on the teeth? I have put it all back together and seems to drive smoother and bit more lively which is good. The movement of the rod on the turbo was very smooth so i assume no problem with the vanes themselves.

Please see pictures for wear on worm gear.

Thanks!

 

[Wighty]

Prompted by a couple of kangaroo episodes but no EML light and the car being fine after being restart - I took my actuator off today to have a look inside and clean up. I should note I have already replaced the exhaust back pressure sensor too.

When i opened up the actuator there was quite a bit of dust, absolutely no grease on the worm gear and in fact the teeth of the worm gear looked quite pointed and worn.

Is this normal? Or does it show that the actuator probably needs replacing due to the wear on the teeth? I have put it all back together and seems to drive smoother and bit more lively which is good. The movement of the rod on the turbo was very smooth so i assume no problem with the vanes themselves.

Please see pictures for wear on worm gear.

Thanks!

Good job buddy .
That worm gear looks like it’s about to self destruct to me .
Get a new actuator or yours refurbed ?

 

[Willber]

Thanks for your reply and the original post!

Yes, I'm leaning towards a new one (it had been refurbished before prior to my ownership)

I have seen that you can actually buy tje worm gear separate on eBay and there is a video on YouTube here:

Mine has a lot of slop compared to that one due to the worn gears. You can move the actuator arm quite a bit compared to the end of the video.

Thinking its easier to just get a refurbished one off eBay to be honest.

Any ones to avoid? They all look similar but vary in cost!

 

[Wighty]

Thanks for your reply and the original post!

Yes, I'm leaning towards a new one (it had been refurbished before prior to my ownership)

I have seen that you can actually buy tje worm gear separate on eBay and there is a video on YouTube here:

Mine has a lot of slop compared to that one due to the worn gears. You can move the actuator arm quite a bit compared to the end of the video.

Thinking its easier to just get a refurbished one off eBay to be honest.

Any ones to avoid? They all look similar but vary in cost!

I am still on my original actuator , so can’t advise on who it’s best to deal with to get one .
I‘m sure someone will advise soon .

 

[Wighty]

Make sure you match the “G” number from the actuator case .

 

[Willber]

Thanks. Theres various available on eBay ranging from £60 to £160...

Similar on amazon too, at least there's reviews on amazon.

Probably just go for one of those options, got to be better than the current original one. I think when it was refurbished before it must have just had the electronics done.

Even a cheapo should last a while. The turbo seemed ok in terms of the arm moved freely. Already done PCV, orange seal repair with silicone T piece etc

 

[Doug1234]

Get an exchange one from this company , I have used them twice over the years

Turbo Vanes

Turbo Vanes sell a wide range of turbo actuators. We are based in Birmingham, UK. Also sell electronic turbo actuators, vacuum turbocharger wastegate and turbo gaskets. Branded turbo actuator on sale!

www.turbovanes.com

 

[Willber]

Thanks - will order one from them. The listing shows they replace the worm when refurbishing gear so thats good. Will report back when have it delivered

 

[Wighty]

As some preventative maintenance for the E class at 137k miles , I ordered an exchange actuator unit from Turbovanes . Fitted and test drove it , all good .
The car now has no delay in take off when you stamp on the gas .