Friends/MB Gurus:

89 300TE, 165K with the ubiquitous seeping head gasket .... I can't take it any more ...

So last night I open a Grolsch and grab my manuals to see what's involved with a cylinder head removal/replacement. Hmmmm... Looks very straightforward to an accomplished DIY-er like me - except for two steps:

(1) Prior to removing the head (top cover removed), there is a step to use a MB impact widget to remove the pin holding the timing chain guide rail ... what is the experience of the group getting this on/off - is the Mercedes tool a 'must have'?

(2) When re-installing the top cover (camshaft cover to you and me), the instructions call for a centering guide/pin when re-installing the outer cover with seal (the large circular one) ... again, should I spring for this widget, or can the seal/cover be centered/installed without it.

Many many thanks in advance for any responses - this looks really straightforward otherwise ...

Brian
89 300TE 165K
84 733i 5speed 135K

Brian,

Sorry but I don't have a direct answer to your questions. The last cylinder head I removed was long ago for my '70 MBB GT. And to digress slightly more, I removed and replaced that one enough times to have a lifetime of memories :[>

Anyway, you might want to pose this question to the local Parts Shop as they can give you an answer along with the cost of the tools. IMHO it never hurts to have the right tool....

Best of luck!

...tracy

[This message has been edited by tracy_leb (edited 09-27-2000).]

Brian,

I am preparing to remove an M103 head myself. I was told that you don't want to mess up that pin. You can probably pull it easily by threading a bolt into it around a larger nut or stack of washers or something to make a poor boy puller. I was told that if you break it off you have major problems on your hand. I bought the special tool from the Parts Shop. The guys know just where to get it for you.

Good luck and stay in touch so we can compare notes as we go through this.



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

The other tool in mention keeps you from rolling the cam seal while installing the upper timing cover. You will need this. I have two different ones for this job. (Mercedes put two different size holes in the cams over time, go figure)

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
300E
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM
OWNER OF MB AUTOWERKS .COM