Valve adjustment...should i do it or let someone else?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

muybweno · #1 10-03-2002, 01:34 PM

alright i'll give it a try
hey fellas...

where do i get the neccessary parts in order for me to do the valve adjustments. I figured i'd do it soon because i need to do an oil change and water pump change soon...mind as well throw in a little experimentation with the valves and cams.

I know that P.E mentioned something about nominal valve clearances for the MB Diesel engines .004" (0.1 mm) intake and .014" (0.35mm) exhaust......is this the correct openings for a normal 300D '78?

I found some wrenches off of ebay that this one guy is selling and he claims that they work even better than the original wrenches meant for the job....whats tipsy about it is that he makes them himself.....dont really know about this

your opinions are appreciated
allen

leathermang · #2 10-03-2002, 03:10 PM

here are several threads with a bunch of good information in them...

Valve adjustment OM615, 616, 617 FYI.
Valve adjustment OM615, 616, 617 FYI. - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

diesel don · #3 10-03-2002, 04:57 PM

I just did my second one this week and brought the time down from 2.75 hours to 1.75 hours. So I gained one hour. I believe that after 4 or 5 of them, i'll be right at 1.5 hours or so. This is about $40 per hour for what we'd have to pay around here.

If you do basic stuff on the car [oil changes, starter replacement, belts, etc] I think you'd find it very straight forward.

My Haynes manual is .10 and .35 which I believe would be the same for your car.

I can easily believe that one can make better tools than the original. I use a combination because there are certain points where the stinkin originals just don't work. On my '84, they won't even fit on the lock nuts; only on the tightening nut.

For me the decision was easy because I have four of these and need to learn how to do it.

The only part needed for the adjustment is a valve cover gasket. I believe they are in the $6-7 price range on Fastland.

So it comes down to a question of time verses money. Like always.

Don

#4 10-03-2002, 05:57 PM

The first time I adjusted my valves it took me a whole weekend. I had no clue on what I was doing, and I had a hard time with the wrenches. The next time my car needs it done, I think I can do it in less than 2 hours with the help of the bent wrenches.
The valve clearance according to the owners manual for my 1979 300CD specifies .004" for intake and .012" for exhaust.