My chilton manual says not to attempt to remove the cylinder heads on merc V8 unless you have 4 special tools. Other than a torque wrench and the proper hex socket, what is required to re-torque the heads?

Woody

Woody,

My MB V8 is the M117. I presume you're a shadetree mech like the majority of us.

Recommend that you take a hard look at the MB Manual regarding R&I of the cylinder head. I'll send you the tools list from the manual.
- The tools can be had at:
- http://www.baumtools.com/
- http://www.autospecialtytools.com/ (least expensive that I've found)
- for the 2 "common" allen head tools I would buy nothing less than Snap-On's. Not the complete sets, just the ones you need. Did a head job on my Volvo a while back and needed the long reach. Best money I ever spent.

I recommend that you (consider):
- purchase the MB manual either in paper from MB direct or better yet, on CD-ROM from PartsShop (this website). Nothing against Chiltons, but beyond fundamentals there is nothing like the factory manual.
- Change out the chain, chain tensioner and upper phenolic rails while your at it.
- Intake manifold and head bolts can be a real bear. It's easy to round out the allen head on the intake manifold bolt. Make sure you're using a high quality tool and get it fully seated. Don't "ease" into the load. Use a sharp firm movement.

Best of luck.

__________________
S, J.R. Brown
2000 G500 LWB Obsedian Black
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Off Road Sport
1993 Volvo 240 Sedan Anthracite
1980 450SEL Champange (owned it for 15 years. Great car)
1986 280GE LWB Anthracite (Sold it and kinda wish I hadn't)

JRBrown: Yes, I am a shade tree mechanic because I can't find anyone in Phoenix to work on old mercedes. I have the allen socket wrenches and I have the cd rom. I just thought I missed something, since the chilton warned about special tools. Like I think you torque the rod bolts by stretching them a certain lenght.
Thanks for the prompt reply.
Woody

Woody, misread your original intent.

Since you've got the manual you've the torque up sequences and checks. Those two very special hex end wrenches should do it (of the four).

The only comments I've seen from some of the professional mechs is that one should consider new head bolts, washers and to chase the old bolts holes.

Maybe we can get some comments from the "old heads".

__________________
S, J.R. Brown
2000 G500 LWB Obsedian Black
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Off Road Sport
1993 Volvo 240 Sedan Anthracite
1980 450SEL Champange (owned it for 15 years. Great car)
1986 280GE LWB Anthracite (Sold it and kinda wish I hadn't)

4 special tools? Outside of the offset hex bit, you can pretty much get away with what's in your toolbox for working on M117 heads. If all you're doing is retorquing the head bolts, you don't need anything more than the offset hex bit.

Check the Haynes manual. It describes how to get around the special tools... except the offset hex bit.

Sixto
91 300SE
91 300SD
78 450SEL (sold)

hi,
you're 117 V-8,Does not use the "stretch" bolts.
You can use your old head bolts if they appear to be in good condition.
Good Luck!

__________________
'60 190b
'77 300D
'78 240D
'82 300TD

Great! I'll find an offset hex head, I have a regular hex head and I'll be all set. Thanks.
Woody