I did this job over the weekend on my 1983 300SD and took the opportunity to place a few explanatory pictures on my web site.

I also included a couple of other simple Maintenance Service chores.

Go to my web site - Cars - Technical - Motor for details.

Enjoy!

I cannot begin to emphasize what a asset you are to this site. I greatly appreciate the photos and the clean logical description of this job. Some of our "spark free only" brethern may not have had a chance to see your other work, but I'm sure they'll appreciate this as much as I do.

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Tjohn

82 300 SD
77 450 SL (gone)

WOW!!! That's a good write-up...I just added it to my favorites. Thank you very much!!

I need to check my valve lash at some point...

Here's a question; will 3 in 1 oil work for the throttle linkage? Seems that, with me not having a decent oil squirt gun, that that would be less messy than using ATF

I must voice my own personal thanks for your site and info. I am tackling my first valve adjustment and was actually a little worried about it. No Longer. I look forward to this upcoming Saturday to spend some quality time with my old wildebeast. Thanks Again

Outstanding.
I'm beggining to think I can replace the chain in the 4.5 myself.
I wasn't too clear on the crimping of the new chain. E-clips are on there when crimped?
What to do without the crimping tool??

good stuff

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

Thomaspin,

Some thoughts on your valve adjustment procedure.

1. Why go to all the trouble of removing the fan when the crankshaft can be turned from the bottom?

2. At 15,000 miles, how many valves needed adjustment? Last time I checked mine at 25,000 miles, all had the correct clearance so a check and adjustment where needed every 25,000 miles is sufficient.

3. I change my synthetic oil every 10,000 miles so my cost is less because I use one oil filter to your 4 and it saves a lot of work.

4. Sure glad I have a 116 120 with out all the crap on top of the valve cover and the EGR equipment.

P E H

Good write up Thomas .

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Jim

Tom:

I appreciate greatly the time and effort you’ve put into your valve adjusting article. The instructions are easily understood, to the point, very accurate, and complete!

Your web site and postings on this forum embolden the term giving.


Jim

Nice of you to help. I always had my mechanic adjust the valves because of the tools required and on a 19 year old car, sometimes always takes forever to unbolt. I use to adjust the valves on VW Beetles and my '65 911. Now with your article and my recent purchase of a '85 300SD, I'm going to adjust the valves myself now that I have two engines to do. Thanks.

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85 300CD Signal Red/Tan sold
83 300D Manganese Brown 109K
97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
98 BMW 328i Vert White 100K, sold
95 BMW 525i White 125K, sold
93 BMW 525iT Red 193K, sold
95 E320 Green Wagon 125K, sold
94 E320 White 127K, sold
85 300SD 156K Grey (Annie), sold
84 300D Lapis Blue 170K (Judy), sold
99 ML 320 Black (lease), 1998 C230 White (lease)
00 Honda S2000 Red (lease)
86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)

Excellent pictures and explainations.
Thanks for your efforts

Thanks for your input. I take the fan off as I like to use a long fulcrum on the high compression diesel engine, thus expending less energy than going underneath the car requires, and allowing me to align the cam timing marks more easily to check chain stretch. My wrists are weak though not, I assure you, limp. Further, any opportunity I have to avoid getting under the dirty beast is one I take!

The number of valves that needed adjusting is indicated in my pictures - take a look here - a total of 5 - all inlet. Four of these were too tight and accounted for rough starting - now cured. I stick with the factory's recommended adjustment/check frequency which is 15,000 miles.

I prefer frequent oil and filter changes on principle. A Topsider renders the job trivial. However, I respect your choice. The 116 is a nice car.

The series of 47 is fantastic, particularly for a newbie.

This type of generosity of time and knowledge makes the net for me!