Hi All,

I have a 300sdl that is long overdue for a valve job. It is puffing a fair amount of blue smoke, and I can hear metallic "tinking" from the valve cover (not to be confused with the "ticking" from a low pressure lifter (I think)). From reading gsxr's prior posts, it looks like clear evidence of worn valve stem seals (and possibly other stuff). What else should I consider replacing in the standard "valve job"? The car has 271k.

Thanks,

Alex

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Alex

1986 300sdl

on my car which is a 90 350sdl when we took off the head and took it apart we found that we needed valves, exhaust guides, springs, seals, and probably more that i have forgotten.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Perhaps this is foolish, but I'm only considering repairs that can be done without removing the head. I want to know the space of repairs that can be done with the head in place, and how worthwhile the repairs are.

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Alex

1986 300sdl

oh... sorry, i think most folks mean head off when saying valve job. i am not expert but i think you can get out the seals and hydraulic lifters without removing the head... probably some other things as well.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

You can do the lifters and valve stem seals with the head on the car. You'll need an adapter though to somehow get pressurized air into the combustion chamber to hold the valve closed. I would assume the adapter would have to go into the injector hole since it would be easier to get to. I think I may be doing this same repair on my 255k mile SDL. Keep us posted, particularly where you get the adapter from.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Typically "valve job" refers to removing the head. If you're just doing stem seals, you wont be able to tell the condition of the guides and the valves for that matter. If T.W. found he needed valves on the one he did, theres a good chance with 271K on yours that yours will probably need the same thing.

I have the head off a 276K 617 engine doing a valve job right now. It needs 5 exhaust valves.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

i am in agreement with the above post. if valves and guides are badly worn, and yours are probably, the new seals probably wont last very long. it may be a better idea to save you r money for the full meal deal.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

This is rapidly sounding like a much bigger deal than I can commit to. Probably should replace the timing chain too while the heads off. Pressure test, regrind, yadda yadda yadda.

Thanks for the advice. I won't waste my time with a half baked job.

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Alex

1986 300sdl

Remove the head and send it out to a machine shop to check for straightness and cracks. Also new valve seats would probably be a good idea. Replace the worn valves, the lifters and maybe the cam if it is worn. Don't forget the cam bearings and timing chain and tensoners as well.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200