Tune-up required tools?

[sjsfiji]

Hi All,

I'm in the process of doing my own tune up on M103, what specialty tools do I need for replacing the following?

Spark plugs
Wires (Replace and/or repair(prefer) )
Cap
Rotor
Oil Change
Air, fuel, and P/S filter change (not sure what other filter needs changing)
Coolang change
Brake fluid change

I'm asking 'cause I think I damaged one ignition wire by just pulling it, w/o using the special pliers. Please point me to a place where all the tools required can be purchased at one time.

thanks,

[Mike Richards]

- Spark Plugs - use Bosch part #H9DCO - books calls for gap of .032 - some like to spread it out to .036-.040 for a smoother idle.

- MB wires are metal - don't need to change - just order resistor tips - they screw off/on - easy.

- http://www.************************ has specialty tools for 103 motor. Some can get plug resistors off by hand - I can't - use special MB pliers. Also need special Stahlwille 8mm allen head socket and ft. long metal rod for removing fan clutch. You do this to change serp. belt or the clutch or h2o pump, or a # of other tasks. You can call these folks - they have 800 # @ web site - faster than InterNet.

- Cap & rotor - you can order from this site and likely get if FAST since you're in S. F. I once ordered parts from here & they came from a place called South S. F. Wholesalers...something like that.

- Oil filter - Use Mann W719/13 or Mahle-Knecht OC110. Hengst also make OEM - I forget the #.

- My 103 uses 6.3 qts during filter/oil change.

- Power steering - Mann H85 - forget Hengst #

- Use MB power steering fluid - get from dealer unless you want to pay for shipping something that weighs a bit.

- Coolant - use MB - get from dealer - too heavy to ship

- Brake fluid - Use Dot-4 - Castol is good - there are others.

[sjsfiji]

Could you please point me the pliers within the website? I can't seem to find it.

thanks in advance...

[maheath]

As far as specialty TOOLS go, you don't need much.

Spark Plugs - I think I used the standard 5/8 inch spark splug socket that came with my socket wrench kit. For my M117, had to use 13/16.

Wires - I replaced mine. You can get spark plug wire pullers, but I was able to remove mine by hand.

Cap and Rotor - both used 5mm hex bit. For the cap, I used a universal joint for the lower screw.

Oil change- There's a cap wrench with a socket attachment that you can get for the oil filter, which works out well for torque wrenches. But I don't know the specifics offhand. For draining the oil, I used a Topsider vacuum system to suck the oil out of the dipstick. You can do a search on that and find plenty of information. Typically sold by boat shops.

Air filter - 10mm socket.

Haven't done the others yet. For tool places, Harbor Freight has a large assortment and is online. There are lots of places:
www.harborfreight.com
www.northerntool.com
www.toolsource.com
www.stahlwille.com
www.samstagsales.com
www.baumtools.com

[haasman]

sjsfiji

You can often pull off the pull connectors with either pliers or needle-nose pliers. Just grab one of the metal corners of the connector close to you. This is often how I do it.

Haasman

[sjsfiji]

I think I've already damaged one of the resistor tips. Have you rebuilt one before? Am I to assume that I can just dismantle it and replace it with "spark plug connector" approx. $12-$16 from most places since the actual wire doesn't go bad?

thanks...

[Mike Richards]

I tried finding the plug wire pullers at the ************************ web site too the other night - couldn't find them. I had to look in the catalog they can mail you.

Just call the 800 # at their web site and ask for the spark plug wire pullers - MB - Spring/Summer catalog price was $29.95.

Go REAL easy when trying to loosen the dist with the 5mm allen. Dont force it- take your time. I used a 5mm on a socket vs. the L-handle type.