Is is possible to replace the valve stem oil seals on a M102 or M103 engine without removing the cylinder head?

Local Merc shop (Dartford Kent) does it by pressurising cylinders. Dosnt seem to be DIY job. They charged 4.6 hours labour. with £56 for parts. Total 332 +VAT. Parts are a lot cheaper from this site!

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BobDubery
1988 300E 128K

The head does not have to come off. This is a relatively easy fix. Need spark plug high pressure air adapter, valve spring compressor and a good understanding of how to do the job. It's not difficult, but you do need the tools.

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 09-05-2000).]

Air pressure in the cylinders will work, but beware that if a piston is at the bottom while this method is used, you run the risk of somehow losing the pressure, maybe something dropping on the valve, and losing the valve into the cylinder. By starting with number one piston at top, do those two, then rotate through the firing order carefully placing each piston at the top is a more positive approach to prevent the loss of a valve into the cylinder.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles