I was checking the previous owners maintenance records on my 1982 300D.

He had the valves adjusted in June of last year.

How often do you check and adjust your valves?

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Gallery

www.PeteChipmanPhoto.com

Generally the maintenance cycle for valve adjustments is based on mileage and not so much time expired. That makes it slightly different from something like an oil change, where it would be either a certain time (like 6 months) or a certain mileage (5,000 miles or whatever).

I can't remember the maintenance interval at the moment for valves, but I want to say it is something like 15,000 miles or maybe 25,000 miles. However, I don't actually follow that. I go a little longer.

It's essential to adjust the valves and check them when you first get an MB diesel, because this maintenance item has probably been long neglected. Most people might not even realize such a thing is necessary. But once you have them adjusted and then checked again on the next interval, you'll probably find that they don't get out of adjustment as quickly from then on.

I actually tend to prefer the old type of valves that require adjustment by hand compared to the clack-clack-clack of the newer hydraulic lifters in the 603. But I understand why MB went that route because there is a reduced ongoing maintenance requirement, and then a nice big fat bill when it comes time to get all the hydraulic lifters replaced.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

Every 15,000 miles as Ken says.

Len

I would at least verify the tolerances on a new car. I found that mine were adjusted wrong by a previous mechanic. The before/after power change was significant. 15,000 mi. is the recommended interval.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )