I am replacing the distributor cap and rotor but having a hard time acessing the bottom hex screw as the hex key/socket is not fully seating into the screw head. Does the radiator have to be removed? Any help would be greatly appreciated .

The radiator does not need to be removed. I use a shortened hex key and pliers to loosen the hex screw. Once its loosened it can be removed with just the hex key. Hope this helps.

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'86 300E 5 speed
'71 Triumph TR6
'46 Cushman Scooter
'41 Ford 9N tractor

This DIY might be helpful

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M103TimingCoverReseal

It shows how to remove distributor cap and rotor and more.

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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

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1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

You can do it without removing the rad/fan. Just use a small hex key. You may have to rotate the fan blades slightly until your arm and the key are in place. It's a tricky fit but doable.

Another tip - don't torque those rotor bolts too tightly when re-installing. The plastic can snap and you'll be out a rotor.

Good luck!

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Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

no radiator removal..

i have done it by removing the fan.

I did this more because I would rather take the extra time to remove the fan and make it easier on myself... with no scraped hands.

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

I use a small allen wrench and then either a set of pliers on the handle, or a small (~10mm) deep socket plus a breaker bar on the handle to loosen the bolt, then use the allen wrench to take it out all the way. Just need to make sure everything is seated properly so nothing strips!

The last time I did it was with a allen key set and a hand slipped between a pair of fan blades. I wasn't very impressed at how I had to do it because of the design.

Thanks for the information, weather permitting I will tackle it tomorrow and report back

Experienced the same difficulty first time round as yourself,

I got myself a wire coat hanger and shaped it so as there would be no obstruction in turning.

The shape closely resembled that of the humble paint roller holder, so I stripped it, duplicated the template, hexed the end, and this elusive screw is now a walk in the park to undo.

I was able to remove the distributor cap after working on the bottom hex screw for a while. As per your help I was working between the fan blades with a 1/4" socket wrench, short extender, and mounted hex socket. Felt great when it started turning. The rotor screws would not turn so I sprayed them with Liquid wrench and bent the hex key into a spiral but they finally broke loose. Replacement was easy. The car runs smooth!
THANKS for your time to respond and very helpfull pointers.
JD1BOO