I have a question about valve seal kit for my 1985 SD. I have been shopping around for a set due to our sponsor only having the MB available, and notice that many brands have the small plastic tubes and others do not.

Do you have to use the tubes? And does color really matter?

I wish our sponsor had more selection other than the MB

As always I appreciate your help.
greazer2b

Yes, the clear plastic tubes matter. They protect the seal while it goes over the threaded/adjustment section at the top of the valve stem.

No idea if the color denotes any difference, sorry.

On M103 gas motors, the intake and exhaust seals are different. You may wish to research/confirm that about 617's.

Good luck!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Yes, the tubes are installed on the thread of the valve, then the seal is pushed over them.

The exhaust and intake seals are different colors.

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Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 147k
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

Back in the day we used a McDonalds straw over the tip of the valve stem to slide the seal on without having them cut up by sharp metal.

I'd definitely come up with a way to make sure new seals didn't get damaged during installation.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

I think I remember seeing a video from Kent where he used wide magic tape.
Here's my experience. 617.952 vs. 617.951 Valve Stem Seals

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

Just be sure you are using the latest model of the seals... as I think they changed the ' gas lip '.... it is mentioned in the FSM...

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

That's what I was concerned about, Some of the kits have all same color and then some have the two colors, and then some have two colors with plastic sleeves and some no sleeves.

I want o get the right kit but don't have FSM so I thought I would post here and ask, always get right advice.

This car I picked up is running pretty well after a few tweeks here and there, but it sat 11 yrs total so needs a lot of things. The seals will be part my injectors, timing chain project, complete muffler, shocks, etc,etc

Thanks greazer2b

Ok could you tell me the correct part# if you have it?
Thx greazer2b