Before I ask my question I want to let you know I am a novice. I have never removed or rebuilt an engine, but here I am. I know this is a stupid question for those that know, but I don’t know which bolts I am supposed to remove from the heads to remove them. The manual I’m using is so confusing I’ve given up trying to follow it.

https://www.tonk.ca/misc/service-man-engine-m116-m117/1%20Engine%20M116%20-%20117/05.1%20Cylinder%20Head%20and%20Engine%20Timing/05.1-115%20Removal%20and%20Installation%20of%20Cylinder%20Head.pdf

The diagram in the manual shows 18 hex bolts, but I find more than that in total. Which bolts am I supposed to remove? One pic shows removing a bolt on the cam. Am I removing the cam? Can I remove the cam? If so there are 10 of those bolts on the cam alone. I simply can not follow this manual. The tightening order only confuses me more.

I have the engine out, timing chain & cam gears off and I’m ready to remove the upper slide rails (step 16 of this horrible manual). Eventually I do need to remove the cams and bring everything to the machine shop. This same manual says I need a valve spring compressor tool to remove the cam. Is this true? I can’t find the tool that’s listed in the manual for sale anywhere.

I’m not a mechanic. It all started as a rear seal replacement and before I knew it the engine was out and I’m taking it all apart. It’s my rabbit hole.

Any help would be appreciated.

First, a decent factory manual is helpful to have in hand. Ascertain the condition of the engine before taking it to bits. Also, stick to the original thread to avoid confusion. Without experience in wrenching its going to be a challenge. if the rest of the car is nice, then its worth the effort.

__________________

Chris
84 280sl
82 300d euro

Please tell me where to find this so called factory manual. I’ve tried the eBay ones claiming to support 560SL, but when I purchase the seller says my car is not supported. The only thing I can find is this:

Mercedes-Benz Model 107 - M117 5.6 Liter Maintenance Manuals

And this so called service manual:

https://www.tonk.ca/misc/service-man-engine-m116-m117/

But this is very broad. The M117 is used as a base for many models making it really hard to follow. For example, if you used the manual to remove your intake you will find this manual is nothing like what is in your car. Give me a good manual and I’ll tear it down in hours.

Show me a real manual made for my 1987 560SL and I’ll buy it.

here's the factory info-

https://www.startekinfo.com/service/download-document/outside/11883/PROGRAM/86560sl.html

the link you posted is for the 71-75 sl. that's why it looks different from yours.

Are you talking about the M117 5.6 Liter Maintenance Manuals? The instructions for removing the heads look the same to me. Neither manual tells you which 18 bolts (out of 23) to remove and show the same diagram. They didn’t have 560’s in the 70’s. Or are you referring to the M116/M117 service manual?

All the manuals on eBay claim to only support the 1987 560SEC and not the 560SL. I asked another eBay member today in fact.

After looking at old heads on eBay it seems the cam bolts closest to the exhaust side (outside) are head bolts (5 of them). Then the 4 on the intake side & then the 9 on the outside. I was just hoping someone just knew which bolts and would share, but It seems nobody really knows for sure. It’s been a real struggle to own this car.

i have a mbz factory manual set and the tool to remove the rockarms , and a 560 sl engine sitting in my garage i need to get rid of