Valve adjustment gone bad? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jub · #1 09-30-2013, 04:11 PM

So, attempted valve adj today (.003 inch intake/.007 inch exhaust). Everything thing went like clockwork, went to turn the engine on and it wouldn't turn over (sounds like plugs are flooded)?

Double checked didn't drop anything in engine ; re-tightened plugs (new Bosch), checked firing order engine to diz cap; re-fitted diz cap (new Beck-Arnley), re-checked wiring to coils (new Bosch wires and coils), checked vac hoses to carb (Weber).

The only thing else is it is flooded. Maybe, when I had to manually turn the engine to check the valves gas floods the engine (I double checked all the clearances)? About to pull all the plugs now....

Any other ideas?

rocky raccoon · #2 09-30-2013, 04:49 PM

Pull your VC again to make sure you haven't dropped a valve. Don't attempt to start until you have done this.

dobrodan · #3 09-30-2013, 05:45 PM

Do you mean it would not turn over or that it would not start?

Jub · #4 09-30-2013, 08:09 PM

Rocky,

What do you mean pull "VC". How can a valve drop (how can you tell)?

Dobrodan,

Starts, just won't turn over?

rocky raccoon · #5 09-30-2013, 08:49 PM

with the starter, ignore my comment. I thought you meant that the engine was bound up.

Dropping a valve means that the valve stem has come loose and the valve drops into the cylinder and contacts the piston. It will cause major damage.

Jub · #6 09-30-2013, 11:31 PM

So, pulled plugs (sat for 4 hrs to dry). Replaced all with 6 new spark plugs...still won't turn over.

Can tightening/loosening valves too much cause this (worked fine before adjusted)?

Also, before adjustment I pulled plugs and started engine to get valves in line. Later used a strap clamp to turn engine manually (worked better). What's the effect of cranking engine w/out plugs (can that flood engine)?

Frank Reiner · #7 09-30-2013, 11:43 PM

Jub:

In examining the thumbnail in your original post, I see what I hope is an illusion, but, it appears that the wire that is inserted into the center terminal of the distributor cap is routed to a sparkplug. Tell me it's just an illusion.

vandor · #8 10-01-2013, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jub

...still won't turn over.

This means that the engine is NOT turning. Ie. when you turn the key nothing happens. The starter motor does not work.

From reading your post, it seems your engine turns over (the starter motor is turning the engine when you twist the key), but it DOES NOT START.

It's hard to figure out what's happening if you don't use the right terminology.

Jub · #9 10-01-2013, 05:12 AM

Hi Vandor,

To clarify: turn key, car turns (chug, chug, chug noise). But just won't start.

Also, checked all wires (center fix wire goes to coils). You can see the blue tape I used to number the wires before I pulled them. Also, triple checked against Manuel to make certain order was correct.

So strange

Tomas7 · #10 10-01-2013, 08:37 AM

There is something that you're missing <----obviously! Adjusting the valves will not upset engine start up at all. Even when they're adjusted wrong. Ask me how I know.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vintage-mercedes/343747-loud-valve-clatter-after-adjustment.html

When you adjust the valves, you're moving and adjusting the mechanical part of the car. Look around to see that you haven't disconnected or snapped/broken off (by mistake) something.

Palolo · #11 10-01-2013, 11:16 AM

I think it is because your oil filler cap isn't lined up straight.

Have you checked for spark by pulling a lead and visually observing while cranking?

Did you replace the rotor? Is the cap on right, not out of phase? Coil hooked up?

(You know, the basics; air, fuel, spark...)

meltedpanda · #12 10-01-2013, 10:03 PM

check for spark, you could have shorted something cranking without plugs

IIRC valves are adjusted cold - very cold?

Jub · #13 10-02-2013, 08:01 PM

Still down....

Just rechecked all twelve valve clearances.

Coils hooked up in right order, pulled all plugs and sparked when grounded each against head when cranked.

Jumped with cables (battery fine), fuel pump working (dis connected fuel pump; refueled car).

Gonna run a compression test tomorrow (all that's left that I can think of). If that doesn't work...take it to a pro (over charges and takes too long)....

meltedpanda · #14 10-02-2013, 09:00 PM

timing chain jump a cog?
verified fuel is getting to plugs?

this one is baffling

Tomas7 · #15 10-02-2013, 09:38 PM

The only thing I can think of is your timing is off. Sorry I'm at a loss.