I'm replacing the gasket on my oil filter housing on my '83 300CD and regretting that I didn't know it was leaking a few weeks ago. That was when I had my steering gear out, my oil cooler lines removed, my brake booster removed -- man, that would've been sweet! Moral of the story - if you know what's leaking you might be able to save significant effort.

Instead I'm doing it the hard way and working in tight spaces. I have cut down a 6 mm allen key and I've successfully removed the whole housing. The gasket from Peachparts will be here tomorrow and I plan on reassembling it quickly, but while I've got the housing out is there anything else I should look for or repair in that part of the engine bay? Is there any useful inspection or parts that need replaced on the housing?

Has anyone cut down a 27 mm wrench to make an "oil line specific" tool, or purchased one from Mercedes Source? If so, was it useful? I'm considering taking a cutting wheel to mine, since I bought the wrench specifically to tighten the oil lines. I was able to use it to loosen the nuts just enough to move them using the full size wrench, but I'm not sure I'll be able to torque them back down with such limited travel in the tight space.

I only had trouble with one allen bolt and that one came out okay after using Freeze-Off. It looks like it had some corrosion on the plated surface near the head and may have stuck to the aluminum filter housing.

Any other considerations?

I've got the Mercedes Source wrench. Make your own if you have the time/tools. If not, buy one from Kent. It makes the job much easier!

Jay.

__________________
On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

I made one. I don't see how you could get away with not using one.