Tools Needed for 560SL Head Gasket Replacement
 

I am getting ready to do the left head gasket on my 560 SL. I would like to know what are the absolutly necessary tools required. The manual specifies a 1/2" drive 8mm hex drive tool # 116 589 00 13 00, which is a hex drive that goes around the camshaft or oil rail. Is this absolutly necassary or are there some good work arounds. I did a few of these 25 years ago on several 450 series and I don't remember using this tool. The slide hammer and 6 mm "T" allen wrench seem something I can get away without.

Thank You
John Roncallo

I don't see how you can apply proper torque to the head bolts without the special tool. Everything else is pretty basic. You can either make your own slide hammer or use stacked washers.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I've done several head jobs and never needed that special tool.

An extended 8mm hex driver has always done the trick for me, I actually use a 6" long x 3/8" drive model made by Snap-On, part #FAML8E. It just clears the cam and gets to the inner head bolts with no problems. I think I also used a 3/8" x 1/2" adapter to mount it up to my 1/2" torque wrench.

Looky here,

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?search=true&item_ID=2355&PartNo=FAML8E&group_id=11478&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Same here. KD makes a decent set of long hex bits as well.

I just finished that stage with my 560SEL and here's how I did it even though its not the proper way. I used an elbow swivil on my 8mm hex drive to get at it. For the rearmost bolts there wasn't really another way to do it. Before I get anyone gripeing about usng a swivil for torquing, I tested it out on the center bolts by applying 20Nm to the first bolt using the swivil, removing it and checking to see if the bolt moved any more when torque was applied striaght on. It did not move, just "click-click". To make sure I wouldn't overtorque the bolt using the joint I then applied 30Nm without the swivil, then attached the swivil and checked the setting. The bold did not move, again "click-click". Basically, while I didn't want to have to use the swivil I don't think its going to hurt anything. This may or may not work on your car, I have yet to fire my car back up as I'm still working on re-attaching my exhaust and intake manifolds. After that I guess I'll see.


good luck!


Scott

Thank You Everyone

Thats kind of what I remember a 6" long hex head bit works fine.

J. Roncallo