I bought the 3-wrench set online and paid $40-ish, I think. I reviewed various threads and saw some people who commented 'Third wrench, waste of time and money, never needed it and I've done the job hundreds of times...' and others who said 'third wrench, gotta have it..."

My understanding is the third wrench is used to keep the spring retainer from rotating while you adjust the lower nut. If they are stuck, then the entire valve may rotate rather than change the compression/clearance adjustment on the spring. The wrench may/may not be necessary if the adjusting nut rotates freely against the retainer and allows you to adjust the spring.

In my one and only valve adjustment so far I needed the third wrench on one valve where the adjusting nut was stuck to the retainer. I have no documentation from the PO on when the valves were adjusted previously, so I can't comment on whether it's needed if they're adjusted regularly or maybe needed if it's a long interval since the last adjustment.

I think you are in trouble for cutting up the silverware like that but they do look good. I did the drawing that your picture shows and if anyone wants to make the third wrench the specs are on the same post. I think if you look in the DIY section I think it's posted there.

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1983 300SD
200000miles

Well lets see, my wife hasn't notices the missing knives YET so i am still ok on that front. I can make the 3rd wrench if there is a need. I just didn't figure I would need it. Yes, its just a hobbie, I joined this forum to learn about my MB and I have, so I am trying to give back to the forum. I won't sell on ebay, mainly it was to make a set and then see if anyone needs them. I think this set is headed to Florida for a free trial. They may need to be ground thinner as I left as much meat for strength as I could. I would have tested them but won't get around to adjusting my valves for awhile. I did these free hand but if I were to make a few sets I would jig up and bend them so they would be the same each time. I guess we'll just see what happens. Sometimes it's just more fun to use a quality handmade tool rather then anything that has been mass produced. Thanks

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83 300D 227,xxx miles, sold
86 300 SDL 130,000 miles, sold

How long are the handles on yours? The longer they are, the easier they're to use. What's the torque value on the locknut?

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

The handle itself is a standard knife handle plus an inch. Seven and 3/4 inch from the center of the nut to the end of the handle. Torque spec should be "firm". Thanks

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83 300D 227,xxx miles, sold
86 300 SDL 130,000 miles, sold

I bought the Hazet set because I wanted the third wrench since this was my first shot at doing the valves. Turned out I didn't need it. The long handles on the Hazet are nice until you get to the valves next to the firewall. I got them all adjusted except the exhaust on the fifth cylinder. It's the second from the fire wall. The long handle hits the firewall. I found that my straight stubby 14 mm worked better but the sun was down and I decided to pack it in. So one more valve to do.
The Hazet are 8 ½ inches from the center of the nut to the end. So your 7 ¾ inch dimension might be better than the Hazet.

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1985 300D Turbo
"Evolution is God's way of giving upgrades" Francis Collins

There is two different length hazet valve wrenches. the long set that most of us have, and a shorter set.

there was a thread on hazet wrenches that listed the two part# a yr or more back.

That last set of valves next to the firewall is a bugger to do. the last time I did them, I just about winged it after a fair amount of frustration, screw it, good enough, but I know better than to do that. clata clata knock tick clata clata tick tick knock

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Don't have any I've made myself, but got the Hazets from a bud who is now Benzless. Bought a "homemade" set from Kent Bergsma a few years prior. I prefer the handbuilt ones. The handles are more comfortable, and I think they have better balance. Anything that reduces fatigue, no? Maybe its just nostalgia.

Jay.

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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

One of the tool companies on eBay sells a 1 short and 1 long wrench set without the 3rd wrench for $70 and shipping.
I have seen private parties sell sets of 1 short and 1 long wrench also.
Evidently one of the Unimog surplus vehicles sold here uses the short handled Hazet wrenches.
You may be able to get the short wrench part number off of eBay.

For the Hazet numbers look at post #16. There is also a pic of the Short Handled and Long Handled Wrench being use on the #5 Cylinder for comparison.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/220371-valve-wrenches-post1834558.html?highlight=Heyco#post1834558

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Well my first set went to Florida and seemed to work. I made a jig and made a couple more. The two long handle tools nest and will work together. The short handle tool will nest with one of the long handle tools for the #5 cylinder close quarters. These are made from Autozone long handle 14 M wrenches and my wife's butter knives for handles. I can do the two long handle or a long and the short for $45 shipped in the US or all 3 for $55 shipped in the US. If you don't like them or just want to use them and send them back (not nice but OK) I will return the purchase price and we will both be out shipping only. I'm easy, just trying to give back to the forum. Thanks

Attached Thumbnails

   

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83 300D 227,xxx miles, sold
86 300 SDL 130,000 miles, sold

I quickly ordered a set of 3 before your wife has a Christmas party and starts looking for the butter knives. Thanks!

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html

Valve wrench
Home made Valve adjustment wrench info

I can personally vouch for these wrenches. I like them so much, I bought a set. They are much more comfortable in the hands (under torque) than the Hazets. I don't really see a need for the shorter wrench as I have never had an issue with the one near the firewall yet.

Pics:

Both wrenches


At the firewall


Both wrenches 2


Handle Offset


Offset at the wrench tips

Attached Thumbnails

         

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

Thanks Al, Yeah when my wife finds out about this I may be trying to buy back the tools and weld her knives back together. Might work out good for those who have them. If it's an order from my wife you can name your price. Don't count on it though. Thanks and enjoy.

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83 300D 227,xxx miles, sold
86 300 SDL 130,000 miles, sold

LOL!!

Well.... Hopefully it wont come to that!

Thanks again. They work great!

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)