Hey guys,

I have done this on other cars but not on a '78 M110 straight 6 (280CE). I don't have the MB factory CD yet, but I do have a question: do I need to undo the chain link if I want to take out the head? I really want to avoid doing this due to the cost of the tools involved and want to minimize my fiddling with other parts as much as possible.

I appreciate your help!

Thanks,

Henry

You don't need to break the chain, but you will need to pull the slide rails out to get the head off. You are going to need an impact or screw-type puller to get the pins that hold them out. You will also need a valve spring compressor, and 17 and 19 mm hex bit sockets to undo the chain tensioner.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Thanks for the help! As far as the impact or screw puller, can I use a non-MB tool to get the job done? I'm still not sure what I need to pull out as I haven't taken the head apart, but hopefully this will become clear when I get the factory manual.

The slide rails are secured to the cam box and head by a friction fit pin with a threaded recessed. You screw the puller in and remove the pins either by impact or by a screw type puller. The screw type works better in the confined area between the head and the radiator. I think the size is 4 mm.

You do need a hook-type spring compressor that will work with overhead cams.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Chuck, does the screw type puller need to be the MB type or are these generic tools? I've never used this particular tool before. I've used a slide hammer, but it doesn't look like there will be enough room for one.

Pull the radiator. It makes it much easier to use a generic puller. Now would be a good time to replace the hoses. Be careful with the bolt for the water bypass on the water pump. It is a hollow banjo bolt and can snap very easily. Soak it with a penetrating oil thoroughly before attempting to remove.

Don't miss the allen head bolts at the front, inside ledge of the cylinder head. Do NOT use a pry tool inserted in the intake/exhaust ports to break the head loose. The head is made of cast aluminum and gouges will result. Use a 1" x 1" length of wood or a couple of old broom handles. If the head won't break free using the broom handles then you have missed a bolt or two.

Not specific to Mercedes. You can use any screw-type puller that will fit the thread in the pin. Some come with different threads.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Thank you guys for the wisdom, I will be back!