the oil filter i buy comes with a small oring to go on the shaft and 1 or 2 to go around where it sits.
oh another question.....would 20W50 oil reduce the noise since it will hold bettter pressure at high oil temps.
and.........if i buy agip 10W60 oil, is that oil any good? with a 60W i dont think the noise would come, do you?

Sid, I recommend that you have a local independent mechanic with MB experience evaluate your engine noise. The mechanic should be able to determine the source of the noise and advise if the engine needs immediate repairs or if continued use of synthetic oil will gradually eliminate sludge build-up in the valve train. Otherwise you're rolling the dice and continuing to drive the car in its current condition could result in more damage and added repair expense. The previous owner may have been apprised of an impending huge repair bill and decided to sell the car instead.

Fred that is a possibility. The seller was extremely happy after he sold the car and my dad did find that very odd how happy he was acting.
for some reason there are no good mechanics in my area, i have tried them all. even the dealership mechanics dont seem very good.]for now will a 10W60 oil help decrease the wear?

15W50 is fine.

However, you appear to have a bad visco clutch on the fan -- temps shouldn't get that high unless you are in the tropics this time of year (or in Australia) -- my TE got hot until I replaced the radiator cap and the visco clutch -- problem solved.

If the noise is a definite slap, get it checked out pronto by someone who knows these engines even if you have to take a trip to do it -- bent valves will set out back at least $4000 USD!

Peter

Sid, if you haven't done so already ask the MBCA members if they know any reputable independent mechanics in your area. Then schedule an appointment to have your engine noise diagnosed before you do some major damage. 15W50 is the maximum viscosity oil that I would use in your engine.

how can u tell if a rad cap is gone bad
i have changed mine 3 times by now but none of the newer ones screw on as tight as the original one. i threw the original away because the rubber inside was breaking off into the resovoir tank.
i tried another mecahic today and he said he needs a stetescope to find out what the problem is. but you guys are right, it is the valves. all signs point to the valves