M117 Valve Covers.
 

On the 560, there is a small valve cover leak. I have replaced the gasket several times, and have come to the opinion, after examining the valve cover the last time it was off of the car, that it is warped. This particular M117 uses stamped steel valve covers. I understand that the later models used plastic valve covers, but I believe that I have seen some pictures from early '80s and some '70s M117 engines with Aluminum valve covers. These appeared to be much heavier, and less likely to warp than the stamped steel covers. Does anyone know if they are a direct bolt-on fit? And does anyone know a place other than MB to get the brass washers that are used on the valve cover bolts? Mine are getting to be shot.
Thanks, God Bless,
Dave.

Relace washers with usual flat steel washers...or stainless if you can find them.
The 80' 116 and 117 engines used aluminum cam covers , and yes, they warp too.
The 560 was a 117 block and heads should size out same as 450 .
Check with your local parts recycling yard.

There will be others here that have, btdt.:)

BTW, the copper washers MB used, were to stop oil leaking out of bolt bosses and give a soft seat for bolt head/cover interface, instead of directly onto cam cover boss.



.

All m116 and m117 engine valve covers are interchangeable, AFAIK. The older ones (aluminum/zinc alloy, I think) are compatible with newer engines and vice-versa. I think I have 2 sets in my garage of the older ones.

I've never seen stamped steel or plastic valve covers for this engine. As far as I know, 116 or 117 valve covers will work. Torquing with the proper crush washers is critical. I've solved two leaks on a 116 and 117 with just new valve cover gaskets, crush washers, and even, multistep torquing to spec.

What is the factory recommended torque for the valve covers? I assumed somewhere around 15ft-lbs but if anyone knows the factory info it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, God Bless,
Dave.

I dont know what the correct torque is off hand but it aint any where near 15 ft-lb.

John Roncallo

3 Nm thats about 2 ft-Lb or 26 in-Lb.

John Roncallo

Oops,:o , ah well, I wasn't actually using a torque wrench (just a 1/4 drive ratchet), so I was just guessing anyway. Sorry. My only torque wrench is a big 1/2 drive job, so, that makes measuring it to spec a little hard. I'll need to get a smaller one before I do the job. Are the Elring gaskets that Rock Auto sell okay? And do you think that the older style valve covers will help my situation any? Also, what is the general opinion about the crush washers? It was suggested that just regular or stainless washers of the proper size would work, do you think so?
Thanks for all of the info and help, and God Bless,
Dave.

I have never had a problem with these valve covers. I dont belive the old style will do any better. New gasket are about $10.00 per side the sealing washers are $0.74. At $0.74 each why screw arround with any other washer. All of these parts are available right hear, just click on the tab above that says buy parts. Unless you ran over the valve covers with a bull dozer, I dont even think you will have a problem if they are warped.

Elring is fine but screw Rock Auto for MB parts, they will hit you up more for shipping than these parts will cost right here at Fastlane.

John Roncallo

Sorry, almost forgot about Phil and Fastlane. I'll check it out. But, just out of personal preference, I know that it is probably a little silly, but I feel better about it having aluminum valve covers. (To me, they give the engine a better apperance:D ). So, I posted a WTB in the parts section on them.
Thanks, and God Bless,
Dave.