380SL Block Drain Plug (Coolant)

[SL Lover]

Can someone post a picture of where the block drain plug is on the 380SL? I looked all over the right side of the engine block and can't seem to locate the drain plug. Thanks

[donbryce]

This is for the m116 engine

[bgkast]

Got one for the M117?

[donbryce]

This is the service manual drain plug info for the M117 4.5 L (image 1).

The service manual picture for the 5.7 L M117 is the same as the one posted above for the M116.

The photos (2 & 3) are of my 117 engine in my 560SL, with the drain plugs circled. Hope this helps.

BTW, I thought the 380SL had a 116 engine?

[bgkast]

Originally Posted by donbryce

This is the service manual drain plug info for the M117 4.5 L (image 1).

The service manual picture for the 5.7 L M117 is the same as the one posted above for the M116.

The photos (2 & 3) are of my 117 engine in my 560SL, with the drain plugs circled. Hope this helps.

Exactly what I needed, thanks

BTW, I thought the 380SL had a 116 engine?

I think it did, I was hijacking.

[meltedpanda]

are you planning on removing these? Difficult at best. You will need new seals to replace, perhaps whole new plug. If you are doing a flush you can get near the same result by using water flushed directly into the themostat area, remove hoses in and out as well as therostat and flush, use compressed air to help blow out resisdual by fabricating closure over the opening and then using air

[bgkast]

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

are you planning on removing these?

After locating them under the car I am reconsidering. I am switching to G-05 from the green stuff. Will a few flushes with normal water be sufficient?

[meltedpanda]

depends, if you just go through radiator it will not be , you must
remove Tstat and flush from there you will eventually see clear water, use air hose to help flush as well. Messy job but it will work. Several flushes like that and you will be good to go. Remember when you refill that some residual water will remain, so do not dilute your fluids as much

[meltedpanda]

Block plugs stuck, ideas for a good flush 450SL
check out this thread, this was my process

[bgkast]

Thanks. I'll try that. I'm also considering filling it with plain water and driving it around the block a few times.

[bwostosh]

I am rebuilding a M117 and with the block out, on an engine stand, I tried and can't remove those, so I didn't.

flush, flush and do it again,
I do the drive, circulate, dump and do it again, about 5 times.
The pepper tree likes it.

[donbryce]

Well, maybe I was just lucky, but my plugs came out with little trouble. Not easy to start, mind you, but after the initial movement, and a 1/2" drive breaker bar, they will come out. Of course, IIRC, the subframe was out at the time and they were easy to access. This is a 1986 m117, not as old as a '72 though too.

[bgkast]

When I was removing the junction above the thermostat where the upper radiator hose and stubby hose to the engine connect I busted off one of the bolts. Doh!