I just got a new valve cover gasket from the dealer. What else would make this task as troublefree as possible? I heard that special wrenches are needed, is that true? Will a crowfoot work? How about the timing chain, should the tension be checked? This job looks tedious from the start, just getting to the valves requires lots of linkage removal. Any input is valued.

The job is not that hard just take your time. I would invest in the special wrench set to do this job as you will be doing it every 15k. The linkages will come off as an assy. Just remove the 4 bolts on top of the V/C where the retaining plate is.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I took an old 14mm wrench that was already bent and bent it to 45 degrees. Then I put it under the grinder wheel to get it down to less than 1/4 inch so it would fit on the bottom nut. Worked great! The valve adjustment was really easy.

Remember that you will need two of these special wrenches to do the job. We can sell them out of the partsshop. Just send in a request for the part# and price.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM