I am new to the Mercedes world and my first project is a 1979 450 SL with bent valves. I've completely dissassembled and had the valves repaired. Any advice for reassembly?

Thanks!

to the t.

good luck

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Depending on how the cylinder heads were overhauled--IF the heads were faced, it is quite likely they are no longer even thickness. This means the camshaft bearing bores would no longer be in a perfect line when the head bolts are tightened down. You MUST put shims under the cam towers if necessary to bring the cam bearing bores into perfect alignment with all the bolts torqued down. The cams should spin quite easily without the followers installed. If they do not, look out for broken cam and/or seized cam bearing/chain break/wrecked engine.

MBZ heads should NEVER be 'milled' or 'faced' if they are warped beyond specifications (which are quite large actually since the head is quite flexible. The head bolts will definitely straighten it out quite easily) The only way to maintain proper cam bearing alignment is to either face both sides of the head simultaneously to maintain exact parallelness, or to shim each cam tower as required to restore perfect alignment (and distance from the crankshaft).

Reassemble STRICTLY in accordance with all the clearances and measurements new or near new to achieve satisfactory life and performance.

Measure everything twice. Scrub out all the oil galleries (pipe cleaners, old spedo cables in a drill, lots of solvernt, high presure water, air gun etc to remove ALL the hard carbon and dirt or you will ruin your nice new bearings on initial operation.

You MUSt be meticulous on reassembly with clearances, order of tightening, and torque values as the head and block are very succeptible to warping and damage from incorrect tightening values and sequences.

can be straightened. a brace to pull and overnight in the oven will do it. hope your shop did this if nec.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.