1978 450SL Valve Adjustment question
 

Hi,

I broke a timing chanina and bent the valves in this engine. I have the engine repaired and i am putting it back together, but I have a fundamental question on the valve adjustment on these engines. The pivot appears to be hydraulic with a pretty sizable amount of adjustment, how important is the valve adjustment on this engine? Does anyone have any advice or cautionary notes on adjusting the valve clearance? Also, do I have to have the Mercedes valve adjusting wrench to complete this job?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ben

What I think you are asking is about the "BASIC" pre-load of the lifters??

Yes, after a valve job they should re-set... special tool required.

hydraulic adjuster preload
 

Yes, I need to preload the hydraulic adjustors and do not have the appropriate tool. Is there any other way to do this? If not, is there anyone who rents such a tool? I'm sure it is well over $100, and I will only need it once.

Thanks
Ben