I am preparing to replace the camshafts in the SEL in the near future, and I was wondering, if when I have the cams and towers off, can I rinse the valve area with some sort of solvent? catching the majority with a rag and changing the oil before I even crank it for the first time?

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RIP: 80 300SD
RIP: 79 450SEL
2002 E430 4matic (212,000km)
2002 ML500 'sport'

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I did that very thing last weekend to a 300e. The head was sludged up very badly. (A sadly neglected car).
This weekend I'm changing the engine on that same car.
This car had underlying problems though (Coolant in crankcase from No 5 cylinder)