This is a 2 part question- How do I remove the plastic cover over the engine, and, is the air cleaner hidden under it? I am installing a K&N filter.

 

You pull up on the back, which releases two snaps and you will find the filters inside the engine cover itself.

 

Thank you very much! I thought it snapped off, but did not want to chance it.
007 TQI

 

Neil-

You did catch that (filters) didn't you? There are two air filters under that plastic thing. Pull the tubes from the grille back so they are detached from the plastic thing. Then pull up on the cover from the rear and remove as you are pulling it forward.

Turn it upside down on something that won't scratch the surface and unscrew the 4 screws (T-25) on each air box. Check for junk in the boxes and replace with the new filters, screw them back to the cover. You'll see a rubber ring on the throttle body the flange on the cover goes inside that and once seated, gently thump on the top about where the clamps are to secure the cover, then reattach the tubes from the grille.

 

Well, I did discover that it takes 2 filters, so I have ordered a second K&N thru O'Reilly's/Schucks Auto parts for $37.99 ( each).
I was really surprised when I took the filter case apart- There were large leaves, and lots of bees that had perished in the filter compartment.
My roadster is mainly driven on nice days, and a few vacations in Washington, Oregon, California, Wyoming , and Montana , so I am assuming I sucked up the debris & insects while on these trips.
Now that I have the cover off, I see that I have some oil build-up on the valve (?) covers, on the opposite side from the oil filler spout. I have 35,706 miles on the odometer.
Or, is that normal blow by ? I rarely take the car over 90 MPH, with spurts up to 135 MPH, but, I assume that may be a cause.
I am wondering if this is leakage, or residue from a sloppy dealer oil change I had once.
What is the best chemical or degreaser to use to clean this up?

 

its the valve cover gaskets, they are notorious for leaking on the mercedes motors

 

I just remove the cover and use the "tire wash" option at the hand held car wash. Just spray and let soak for a few minutes while you spray the brake dust on the front tires (lol). Then carefully spray off the residue, watching out for the intake-don't want to spray any water down her throat. Then put the cover back on. As to the oil deposits, Infinite is correct, just did the re-seal on the wife's '05. No biggy, more hassel than anything else.

 

To clean the engine and engine bay safely first cover the throttle body to protect water from entering it.
Then use a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water.
Spray it on everything, wait about 5 minutes and simply hose off with only the pressure of a garden hose.
Start it up and go for a drive.
Once home allow engine to cool and than apply CD-2 Engine Detailer.
Follow the simple instructions on the can.

And once you are done you will be happy with the results

 

Gary, good looking engine bay! What do you use to keep the black cowl, next to the windshield, looking good? I've tried all kinds of stuff, they all seem to turn back to a chalky-black in no time. Any help would be great, Thanks.
Smfry

 

I just cover the windshield and raise the wiper blades out of the way and spray on the CD-2 Engine Detailer and let it dry.

 

Out with the FRAM

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In with the K&N

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woot!
those frams were FILTHY. There were leaves and bugs in there like Neil said. "/

 

The FRAMS pictured are AFTER I beat them profusely to get the dirt out. yeah.. filthy.

 

I tried the Simply Green today and I was amazed on how well it got rid the grime off the engine. It even smells nice.