1983 380sl left head valve guide replacement
 

After reading the method for removal and replacing the valve guide I need your opinion on how many tools and how hard is to succesfully accomplish this job. I removed the overhead cam already, now I need to start on removing the headto get to the valve guide on cyl # 8.
It appears that you need a lot of special tools?

Strickly speaking there is no need for specialist tools.

The only requirerment is a torque wrench for reassembly.
You will need to remove the intake assembly though.


Some others may disagree...and require the bent Allen Wrench to torque the head bolts.

Your mileage may differ :)



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Thanks dkveuro, how do you punch out and install the new guide, it should be a new guide that may be larger OD or is it ID, then I would need a new valve? Sorry for so many questions I am making sure I undersatand what I am starting before I waste too much time or money.
What do you mean that gas mileage may change?

The guide has a circlip to limit depth into head. You will need to do ALL the guides and then have the seats cut to be concentric.

Any good automotive machine shop can install a set of guides and dress the seats.
As much a 4 tons need to be applied to the guide to set it in the head.
Each guide will angle very slightly different to the origonal..that's why the seats need dressed.

Make sure the shop knows the clearence...valve stem to guide.
Guides are responsible for blow-by into the crank case as well as proper valve alignment and oil control.
Buy a genuine set of OEM seals..intake and exhaust are different.

My last set # A117 050 01 67.
Black : Exhaust.
Brown : Intake.

P.S...Always use the OEM exhaust valve..new or used...They have a very hard industrial chromed stem and last for years.


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great info. thanks

The guides are supplied stock.
The OD will be interference fit in the head.

Depending on the force needed to seat the guide, a little reeming may be required to get the ID to accept the valve stem.

On VW heads I use a chatter gun and a pilot drift to remove/install guides, and I have an expanding reem to clearence the ID along with seat stones and a valve facing machine.

Let the machine shop remove the old guides.
The new guides will fit just fine.

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'Gas mileage' comment was my feeble attempt at humour.... you know...usual disclaimer. ;)


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Great info. Now I need to get motivated and tackle the head removal.
Temp is rather warm so I may wait for a cooler day. Or finish cleaning my garage. It will be worth it after is over. ;)