300TE - M103 Head Bolts

I just replaced the head gasket on my 300TE. A couple of the bolts were questionable, so I went over to the mercedes dealer to get some replacements.

While purchasing these bolts, I was told I also needed "stretch washers", so I bought 14 of those pricey little guys.

Now I am confused? How come I was told I need these washers, if there are not any of these washers on the head in the first place.

Is there something I am missing here?

As always, thanks!

[MB STARS]

103 engine cylinder head bolt has been modified with new bolt witch without washer,new collar bolt M12 x 102 mm without washer,old M12 x 105mm with washer. Torque for head bolt is 1. 70Nm 2. 90* turn 3. 90*turn,part number for new head bolt is 120 998 08 10 X 14.

[lino]

http://www.raceware-fasteners.com/products.htm

[Greg in Oz]

Originally Posted by MB STARS

103 engine cylinder head bolt has been modified with new bolt witch without washer,new collar bolt M12 x 102 mm without washer,old M12 x 105mm with washer. Torque for head bolt is 1. 70Nm 2. 90* turn 3. 90*turn,part number for new head bolt is 120 998 08 10 X 14.

This is interesting. Early this year I helped my brother replace the head gasket on his '92 190E 1.8 (M102). At the time I could not make any sense of the length of the head bolts. They were shorter than the figures quoted for the 2.3 M102 which was the only data I had available. To play it safe, I purchased new bolts which turned out to be longer and had heads without a collar. When I questioned this I was informed that they should be used with washers, which I then also purchased, that the originals did not have. When comparing the originals with the new ones (with the washers in place), it turned out that the originals had only stretched about 1mm, suggesting that they could have been re-used. In fact, when the washers are accounted for, the bolts in the 1.8 are the same length as for the 2.3. I was surprised that the parts guy at the dealership had no knowledge of the original bolts I had with the collar. I am also surprised that if the collared bolts are newer, why don't they show up in the EPC at my dealer? I cannot remember which bolts the M103 in my 300TE had when I did the head on it a few years back. I imagine they were the version with washers as there was no question regarding their length (which was as new) according to the data in the workshop manual.

Well, I went ahead and used the stretch washers, everything seems good. I suppose the washers are a just in case additive to make up for machined head differences, or stretched bolts.

Thanks for giving the level of confidence to proceed!

[Greg in Oz]

I just want to make sure you have got it right. The bolts with the flanged heads should not be used with washers. The bolts without the flanged heads use the washers. If you get this wrong then the amount of thread engaged will be incorrect.

[myarmar]

Originally Posted by Greg in Oz

I just want to make sure you have got it right. The bolts with the flanged heads should not be used with washers. The bolts without the flanged heads use the washers. If you get this wrong then the amount of thread engaged will be incorrect.

And here is a picture:

greg, it looks like I definitely have it wrong then .......................

i will redo this tonight! thanks for the clarification!