OK. I'm ready to do the valve adjustments on the 79 SD. I believe that I am needing 3 tools: 2 14mm wrenches with 45 degree bend at the wrench end, and a tool for securing the spring while adjustment is being performed.

I bailed out too soon on that last post...

Where can I find the tools at a reasonable price?

I got the two 14 mm wrenches at Sears and bent them myself... that was much cheaper ....

Did you heat them? And what do you use to secure the spring?

Yes, I did heat them... I did not mention the spring holder because I was unsuccessful at making one and went to the dealer and bought one... but don't know if cheaper one is available.. hopefully, just have no information on that....

How much was the spring holder from the dealer?

That was four years ago... I don't have a clue...LOL

Diesel guys... no sense of time - "How do you like my new car; it's only 23 years old!"

I don't have the numbers.. but I can share the rest of the story... you can bet that I was down to " no other places to find it quick" for me to go to the dealer.... I had already spent several hours making one that did not work.... which I hate to admit... but that was before I acquired a mill and got my lathe powered up... just bring on those special tools now !

Chances are, the wrench needed to hold the spring cover will not be necessary. Two properly-bent 14mm open ends is all you'll need.

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Matt
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1995 E300 Diesel (Die Blau Frau)

Matt, I would like to politely disagree with you on that point....

Leather, I would never begrudge your right to disagree, but the fact is, I have done valve adjustments twice on my '84 300D, and I have found that the third wrench is not necessary. You, on the other hand, may glean a certain benefit by using it. I suspect that on some engines, the tool is essential, and on others (like mine), it would simply be in the way. I think you'll find that many of the veterans on this forum will agree with me. Just do a search on the subject...

Respectfully,

Matt

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Matt
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1995 E300 Diesel (Die Blau Frau)

I must be doing something wrong because all I use is a couple 14 MM Craftsman open end wrenches - non bent. In addition, that is all I have ever used to remove the springs.

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Jim

I just bought some at an unreasonable price from Samstagsales.com It was a Hazet three wrench set. I have not used them yet. I aslo found bicycle wrenches work well. They are very thin (Park Tools) so one doesn't get in the way of the other. I agree with the other guys that it can be done with standard wrenches but if the new ones from Hazet make the job faster and easier then I don't mind spending the money.

goodluck,
burnan

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burnan
1993 2.5 turbo

Jim,

I agree....I think the $69.95 valve adjusting wrench kit is similar to $29.95 differential plug wrench that also is sold (basically not necessary). I obtained a 14MM allen wrench for free from a fastener supply place. I have adjusted the valves on my 240D a couple of times and don't recall having a problem with standard (unbent) wrenches.

Jerry

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1976 240D
1987 560SL
2007 E320 Bluetec
1998 C280 (now son’s car)
1982 240D Manual - Sold