Fixing a "Dumb" Factory Defect on a Mercedes GLS63 AMG (and it still blew up!)

Initial Mechanical Fixes and Giveaway Announcement

• 🛠️ The video begins with the acquisition of a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 63, initially found with significant oil leaks, a check engine light, and low boost.
• ✅ A simple fix of an unseated intake boot restored boost, and a $18 seal resolved a major oil leak, highlighting initial luck with repairs.
• 🎁 The vehicle is announced as a giveaway, with entries earned by purchasing items from legitstreetcars.com, offering double and quadruple points on specific items like shop wipes and stickers.

Deep Dive into Engine Maintenance and Modifications

• 🧼 The GLS 63 undergoes a thorough cleaning and preparation for ceramic coating, with a focus on improving its appearance.
• ⚙️ Significant mechanical work includes removing the intake manifold to clean direct-injected intake valves, which showed moderate carbon buildup after 140,000 miles.
• 💨 Walnut blasting is employed to clean the intake valves, using a specialized setup to contain media and debris, restoring them to a near-new condition.
• 🔧 The process involves removing various components like the intercooler tank, vacuum lines, fuel lines, and a challenging coolant pipe requiring the removal of the hydraulic pump for the sway bar system.

Unexpected Setbacks and Repairs

• ⚠️ A major setback occurs when a bolt for the intake manifold breaks off deep within the cylinder head, necessitating drilling and the use of a Helicoil for repair.
• ⚡ Spark plugs and ignition coils are replaced across the engine, revealing a mix of original and replacement parts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive maintenance on a giveaway vehicle.
• 💥 A significant coolant leak erupts during dyno testing when a plastic heater hose fitting on the firewall catastrophically fails, causing a large steam cloud and requiring immediate attention.
• 🛠️ The failed plastic fitting is identified as a common failure point on these vehicles, and a replacement part is sourced and installed.

Dyno Testing and Performance

• 📊 The GLS 63 is taken to Cannonball for baseline dyno testing before a planned tune, aiming to assess its stock performance.
• 🔊 An unusual loud noise during the initial dyno pull is later identified as normal exhaust burble, not an engine failure.
• 📉 The stock dyno run shows lower than expected horsepower and torque figures, attributed to a short pull and potentially other factors.
• ✅ Despite the coolant hose failure, the engine is confirmed to be running well, and the vehicle is deemed roadworthy after repairs.

Final Touches and Giveaway Reminder

• 💧 Coolant levels are topped up after the hose replacement, and the engine is checked for leaks and smooth operation.
• 🚗 The vehicle's features, including adaptive cruise control and soft-close doors, are highlighted, emphasizing its luxury and capability.
• 🎁 A reminder is given about the giveaway entry details, encouraging participation through purchases on legitstreetcars.com.
• ✨ The video concludes with the owner expressing satisfaction with the vehicle and the ongoing process of preparing it for its new owner.