URGENT __560SEL Where are engine drains? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-01-2002, 02:16 PM

While I have the rad out - I am changing from Prestone to Mercedes antifreeze this afternoon - Where are the engine drains to get the old antifreeze out of the block??? A quick reply would be appreciated as I want to get the car back together this PM.
thanks

Mike Richards · #2 08-01-2002, 02:41 PM

Moedip:

Check this thread:

What is a proper way to flush and refill the cooling system in 93 500SEL (119 engine)

It discusses a 500SEL. Yours is a 560SEL, but I'd bet the engine block drain plugs are in the same place.

#3 08-01-2002, 02:46 PM

Thanks Mike - if they are the same then i cannot do it today - 2 hour drive to Mercedes for the drain gaskets
thanks
maurice

downeyjc · #4 08-01-2002, 03:24 PM

I have a 560SL roadster--same engine I belive. There is a separate drain on each side of the engine--they are reached from the bottom of the car (flat on your back looking up) about midways back on the block. They require a 10mm hex drive socket (pretty sure that was the size). They are actually plugs (about size of 50 cent piece) with the female hex opening. Mine came out fairly easy, but have heard others say they can be stubborn.

Word of warning--clearance is not real good on the drivers side and you will need a fairly long extension to get up in there. Be extra careful and make sure you get the hex drive seated in the opening, or you can easily round it. When the plug is completely removed, get ready for a bath--it's a big opening and the water floods out. Good luck. John Downey

MikeTangas · #5 08-01-2002, 03:29 PM

Maurice,

You can likely reuse the crush washers with no ill effects (I did, simply because I couldn't get any new ones). The drain plugs take a 6mm hex bit, are aluminum and the allen recess can strip out easily if you aren't careful. Snap-On's shorty bit works great here. One drain each sid eof the block, left side is toward the front and the right side is slightly back, close to the motor mount if memory serves correct. When the plug comes out water may, or may not follow. Often the hole is slightly plugged with crud, no biggie just poke gently and break the crud plug, then the water will gush. On the subsequent flushings, be careful of hot water and keep an eye on the washers, they often stick to the block, then get flushed to the bottom of the bucket during the flushes.

Hope this helps.

downeyjc · #6 08-01-2002, 03:30 PM

Forgot to mention--I've done this on both 87 and 88 year 560SLs. I don't remember a gasket on the drain plugs for either car, and if it had one, I certainly didn't change it. Never had a problem with leaks...John Downey

#7 08-01-2002, 03:51 PM

thanks Guys - I'm off to do the job!!!

MikeTangas · #8 08-01-2002, 03:55 PM

One more thing, which I'm sure you know, remember to set the temp wheel to MAX hot, and defrost on for the flushings, you want to drain and fill the heater core.

#9 08-02-2002, 08:45 AM

Thanks Mike - got the job done but found another problem. You know the block drain plugs for the antifreeze with the 7mm allen keys? Well - there is a plug like that on the bottom of the oil filter housing and another one on the block just behind the smog pump bracket. the one behind the smog pump was dripping oil for a long time which caused quite a mess on the bottom of the oil pan. I took it out and did not see a gasket - yes it was very tight when I went to remove it. I put a spare gasket in and put it back and cleaned the mess. Started the car yippee!! no leak. I have been complaining about a valve cover gasket leak at the passenger side rear for some time - when the car gets hot - and you rev the engine - plumes of white smoke from burning oil come from behind the motor from the exhaust . If you let the engine idle - no smoke - rev it - smoke. I jacked up the front end and slid right under the car to see the back underside of the passenger side of the engine. It is covered in oil. 2 valve cover gaskets later - yes torqued with torque wrench - still the same problem. So now I am starting to wonder - the two 7mm oil drain plugs by the filter and behind the smog pump - if the drain behind the smog pump leaked under revs - maybe it isn't the valve cover gasket - maybe there is another 7mm plug near the rear passenger side of the engine that is leaking. Any ideas if there is such a plug there? The only not - so easy way - of me finding out is to drop the exhaust manifold to get a better look - but I am worried about broken studs if I try to remove which will be bigger headaches. Any ideas?? Thanks
Maurice

dpetryk · #10 08-02-2002, 09:12 AM

OK here are some photos. The right side of the engine is upside down. SO flip your head over when looking.

dpetryk · #11 08-02-2002, 09:12 AM

Left side of engine.

dpetryk · #12 08-02-2002, 09:14 AM

Mysteries behind the air pump revealed! The large plug is probably the oil pressure regulator. But Im not sure.

#13 08-02-2002, 09:19 AM

Thanks Dave
The first one you have circled on your first pix is the one that was leaking for me. I got the feeling the one you call tnsioner pivot is going to be the culprit!! It's true - a pix is worth a thousand words.
Many thanks
maurice

dpetryk · #14 08-02-2002, 09:24 AM

Be careful then you pull that one out it is the pivot for the tensioner shoe. It is under constant tension and the shoe (rail)will move when you remove it.

#15 08-02-2002, 09:27 AM

Don't know what a tensioner shoe is - please elaborate. Will plug be hard to get started again? will shoe fall out of position with screw out? What dangers to watch for?
thanks

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