Valve job on 450sl

[Princess]

I have a 1975 450 sl with 150,000 miles on it. The top end of the engine is brand new and the compression is 160 lbs +/- 10. The problem is I have loose valve guides. If I have a valve job done on the engine, will the increased compression make me start burning oil or worse, could I blow a ring? Thanks for any feedback!

[euro 287]

It might increase compression a little but you wont blow a ring or anything like that , I have done hundreds of valve jobs and have never experienced any problems even on cars with 250k miles. Just make sure the timing chain and tensioner along with all rails are replaced also. This job is about 2000.00 in our shop.

[Princess]

That is great to hear. They started pulling apart the engine today. From reading this forum it seems like this is common to do on these engines. My cam oiler on the left side was clogged up and so we had to replace the cam and cam towers, rockers arms, lifters etc. Because of this, the shop owner felt there might be ring damage that we can't see but I really don't think so. I will let you know how it turned out. We are replacing the timing belt, tensioner and guides. The right cam shaft is starting to wear a little so we are going to replace it as well. What is your opinion of aftermarket cam shafts? Thanks!

[euro 287]

I have used them in the past and they seem to hold up. I guess it really depends on the manufacturer.