You'll probably think this is a dumb question but...

I'm about to change the Distributor Cap, Rotor and platinum plugs on my 1989 560SEL. I've done this before on American cars but never on my pride and joy. Anything I need to watch out for? I'm used to putting dielectric grease in the spark plug boot, id that OK for MB? Will a ceramic-based anti-seize paste on the spark plug threads affect the engine metal?

Thanks,



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Al Spalmacin

My first advice would be to go back and get the proper plugs. Platinum plugs do not belong (or work well) in that model. MB specifically recommends against them.

Care must be used in removing the plug wire from the plug. The plug wire resistor end must be gripped not the wire. I see no reason for dielectric paste here but use if you feel better. Bosch doesn't recommend anti-seize paste any more for their plugs but many techs still use it. I'm not sure what you mean by "ceramic" paste. We use a high temp version.

I would use the anti-seize sparingly if at all. What you really don't want is to have extra paste on threads (either head or plugs)that are exposed to combustion. This will bake into the threads.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

[This message has been edited by stevebfl (edited 06-17-2000).]