Mercedes Forum - Mercedes Benz Enthusiast Forums - Air metering boot

Hi All,

I have a 1985 500 SEL (Gen1) and am replacing the rubber boot underneath the fuel distributor as it is cracked. Merc don't make the original part 1161400018 which was a rubber boot bonded to a metal frame. I've had to buy the newer design which is a separate boot and frame. The new assembly fits to the fuel distributor fine but I'm having 2 issues;

1. The new frame digs into the hoses below and cant seat properly (the frame has a returns rather than a flat face); looks ok in the photo but with the distributor assembled it compresses the hose too much.

2. The hole in the new rubber boot that leads to the ICV is a few mm smaller in diameter so the male/male hose connector doesn't fit. I noticed this at the time of purchase and Merc sold me a new connector - I expected this to be a reducer but its the exact same part already in my car.

Has anyone been through the process of changing from old to new boots style and if so where am I going wrong? My local Mercedes parts team are really puzzled.

N.B. My photo shows the original boot/frame part on the left; I cut into it initially as I thought I would be able to re-use the frame.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/mercede...16458e8d7d.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/mercede...b5d05b4b61.jpg