Hi,

I need to do a valve adjustment, and need a set of feeler gauges. I read in the archives that some sheap feelers can be way off, and I am worried about this.

What brand of feeler gauges should I buy? I dont have a measuring device to ensure that theyre right, so they need to be right, period.

What is the part number for the MB feelers?

What feeler sizes will I need to do an 83 300D turbo correctly? If I use the 'go-nogo' method, I assume all I do is instead of buying one feeler that is the correct size, I instead get on that is marginally smaller and one that is marginally larger?

Also, for reference, sould someone post the part number for the hazet top wrench (not the bent one, but the wrench for loosening stuck nuts, etc.).

Thanks


JMH

P.S. In measuring them cold, is it really, the colder the better, or cn it be too cold. i.e. if I wait a week or two until it is in the 30s all the time, is this better than now when the temp varies from 30-50+?

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

I'll answer your "cold" question. Cold just means that the engine hasn't been run and isn't hot, so an average temp of say 45-60 degrees F would be cold. No need to let it really get cold, that'll just make it hard to work on because you'll freeze your fingers.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

JHZR2,

I doubt that any feeler gauges would be off more than +or -0.0001 inch which is insignificant.

For go/nogo gages you want 0.003 and 0.005 inch for the intake valves and 0.013 and 0.015 inch for the exhaust valves.

Cold means engine at ambient air temperature. You don't have to wait for a freezing day to adjust the valves. You can do it in a warm garage too, like all the mechanics do.

Check the valve clearance before you loosen anything. Some valves may may not need adjustment at all and this will save you time. Its best to turn the crankshaft by using a deep 27mm or 1 1/16 inch socket wrench and ratchet on the crankshaft bolt. After a few tries you will learn how far it has to be turned each time to do the next valve.

P E H

good info!

what socket size do i need to turn the crank on my 82 240d?

my socket set only goes up to 19mm!

__________________
$500 1982 240d owner "Gunter"
125k miles,4 speed manual
crank windows, MB Tex, all original
no a/c, daily driver
Scorecard so far....
$230 Maaco paint job
$27 dimmer switch, $40 shutoff valve, $45 brake MC, $260 calipers, $40 brake hoses, $40 side fender trim, $20 balancing, $109 lifetime alignment, $10 fuel return lines, $115 oil&fuel filters for next 30k miles

Same size - 27mm.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

next stupid question...when i turn the crankbolt to adjust the valves, does it go clockwise or counterclockwise? it is ok to crank 'back' if i go too much or do i have to go all the way around again?

__________________
$500 1982 240d owner "Gunter"
125k miles,4 speed manual
crank windows, MB Tex, all original
no a/c, daily driver
Scorecard so far....
$230 Maaco paint job
$27 dimmer switch, $40 shutoff valve, $45 brake MC, $260 calipers, $40 brake hoses, $40 side fender trim, $20 balancing, $109 lifetime alignment, $10 fuel return lines, $115 oil&fuel filters for next 30k miles

Clockwise. Never crank it backwards as you would run the risk of creating slack on the wrong side of the timing chain and getting the injection pump out of time.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.