Engine Manual question M117 and M116 major differences - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

donbryce · #1 02-21-2006, 12:53 PM

Hi all. This is a tough question to write, but I'll try and be simple. I'm thinking seriously of buying a 1989 560SL, which has the 117.967 engine. I now have the engine manual which I acquired for my 1985 380SE, which has the 116.963 engine (manual came with the chassis and body manual for the W126). This manual covers the years 1981/82 engine for the 380SL and the 380SEL, and has been very useful to me servicing my 380SE, even though it's a 1985 model.
I have been looking around for an engine manual for the 560SL 117 engine, and will have to pay quite a bit for one, in the hardcopy version that I want (I DO NOT want a CD, thanks). My first question is: how different are these engines to service, such as lifters, rockers, valve seals, injection system, etc., such that I'd get a major benefit from buying a 117 engine manual?
As an aside, I used to have a 1975 450SE, and it had a 117.983 engine, and after changing the camshafts on that engine, plus a lot of other typical jobs, I could not see much difference between that and my 380SE's 116 engine. So I guess my second question is: is there a similarity, other than the number, in the 75's 117.983 and the 560SL's 117.967?

donbryce · #2 02-22-2006, 09:13 AM

OK, I did some homework and found a lot of parts interchangeable, listed below. There are parts listed for both engines under the 'Jetronic Control' section in the parts catalog, so I assume the fuel injection systems are similar then?
I thought that I read the 560SL 117 engine has an aluminum block, true? So that might mean design differences, and therefore maintenance/repair procedure differences? That is my main focus in this thread, trying to establish what major differences in these engines would necessitate getting a manual with the right steps for work on the 5.6L 117, given that I am familiar wtih the 3,8L 116.

I sure hope someone with experience will comment soon. My gut feel is that I already have enough info in my 116 manual to do most jobs, and what I don't know I can find out when needed, probably here.

Parts shared by 116.963 (380SE) and 117.967 (560SL) engines:
Main bearings
Rod bearings
Lower gasket set
Rockers
Timing chain tensioner
Intake & Exhaust valve guides
Lifters
Oil pump
Oil filter
Air filter
Spark plugs
Cold start valve
Fuel filter
Starter
Alternator
Power steering pump

stevebfl · #3 02-22-2006, 09:42 AM

From 1971 to 1991 MB made a large V8 (117) and a small V8 (116). All the 117s use the same timing chain and all the 116 do the same (except for a couple years 81-83 where they used a single roller chain).

The motors are basically the same for most instances. specifications would be the main difference and through the years the fuel and ignition systems changed, but for a given year the ignition and fuel systems would be the same (with some different parts) for both the 117 and 116 engines of the day.

A 380 will have different fuel and ignition systems from a 560, but a 420 (116) would be similar. So most repair techniques will be the same but the actual specs might be different.

BTW all the early 350/450 engines were iron blocks while all the rest are aluminum blocks. All had aluminum heads. The 71-75 engines had adjustable lifters all the rest were hydraulic.

donbryce · #4 02-22-2006, 10:19 AM

Thanks Steve, you're always around when needed. I did find a pic of an engine manual which was for both the 116.96 4.2L and 117.96 5.6L, suggesting that they are indeed very similar, but not as close as to my 380's 3.8L 116 iron block.
I'm confused by your last sentence though "BTW all the early 350/450 engines were iron blocks while all the rest are aluminum blocks.". I thought 4.2L = 256cu.in. and 5.6L = 340 cu.in....you're not referring to a Chevy small block/big block (LOL)?