The engine was rebuillt 30K miles ago but is burning oil, so I thought I'd try this as a hopeful remedy. Hoping I can do it with the head installed.

I have all the parts but not 100% sure of the tools or proper procedure. I do have a few shop guides for the W111, but they show removal of the head only.

So I think if I can hook up the air compressor to each cylinder & find the valve compressor tool, I should be able to get this done in a day or so. Just a few questions I'm hoping to get some help with.


1. Stupid question first. I have a new valve cover gasket. When I install it, should I oil it or otherwise prep ?

2. Anyone know what it the valve spring size ?

3. Anyone know about renting a valve spring compressor or another off-the-shelf tool that can be used for this ?

4. Do I really need a valve spring compressor for this ?

Thanks for the help.
-RJ

Tradition of oiling gaskets goes back to paper or fiber gaskets that shouldnt be installed dry.... For example, I lightly rubbed some oil on the water pump gasket while replacing the unit several weeks ago.

Regarding valve seals, idea is to set each piston at top dead center......pressurize the cylinder with air...... remove rocker arms and valve springs.... gently replace the valve guide seals without dropping any of the valves. Use the valve seal plastic cups (if they are packed with them), or blunt wooden drift like a chopstick to push them firmly into place so they dont get damaged. Dont use a screwdriver that might cut the valve seal.

How do you set each piston at TDC?? Place a wooden pencil eraser-end down in the spark plug hole and watch the piston push it out while turning over the engine manually.

You've also gotta keep track of rocker arms and valve springs - replacing them in identical ordre, same as disassembly. Mixing up the rockers and springs can screw up the job.

Btw, another tool you need besides the Valve Spring Compressor is Air Compressor Adaptor that will fit spark plug holes.

C'mon back and tell us how it went, after the job is complete.