4.5 V8.

The drivers head is about to go on. Before I do this I have to ask again just to settle my mind.

Should I have bought all new head bolts and washers? I did not, and hope not to.

I started to use a tap on the bolt holes but it was causing metal to flake out of the hole. Assuming I have the right size, it should fit right in without taking more material out, right? Can I just run a head bolt into the holes to clean them up? They're pretty clean as it is.

Motor oil or white grease on the bolt threads?

Torque spec on the exhaust nuts? Is there one? I know it's not supposed to be too tight.

What else? Everything looks clean, I'm anxious to get the head back on.

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

No such thing as "too clean" on the head and block surfaces.

The manual for the 450SL says to use oil on the threads. Be sure to tighten the head bolts from the inside out, first to 30 NM, then to 60.

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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

My My, the perfect time to try those 3.5 cams.

look over everything again, re read the manual. now is the time you want to catch anything you missed.

iif you retap a hole its normal if crud and wierd stuff comes out

You need to be sure you have a very good quality tap...Try your tap on a nut with the same treads...also you might want to run a starter or a middle tap in the head bolt holes first...maybe you are using a bottom tap...and yes I have used a bolt as a tap...take the bolt and run a nut all the way on and using a wafer cutting disc you need to cut vertical groves in the bolt, 3 to 5 will be enough and then back the nut off the bolt which will clean the threads...sometimes I have had to use a very small file to clean additionally...good luck

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James A. Harris

It's on. I got as far as putting the chain back on the cam gear.
I wonder how many miles it will be before I can tell if my work was sound.

What's the going rate for a beat up 108 with a good engine?

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

sometimes it is a good idea to re torque the head bolts after running engine up to temp and then letting it cool overnite. reason is because as the metal heats the head and the block expand crushing the gasket, then as it cools this creates a gap that can result in a blown head gasket.

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1995 c220 (harness issues sold)
1999 clk 320 cabriolet

I thought you warmed it up then retorqued while it's hot. That's what the manual states.
At any rate, I have a long way to go before I can start it up. Still have to change valve stem seals on the other side and then find a decent radiator.
Any clarification would be nice as a blown head gasket would just eat all kinds of @#$.

It also looks like old Merc's are fetching lousy prices on ebay.
Ya on the one hand it's good for buyers, but it also means nobody wants them anymore.

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

Right now is a HORRIBLE time for someone to sell a 4.5 especially - gas prices are astronomically high! Just drive her till she dies I suppose - in other words, keep her forever

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

If I could keep (I think this particular one is a he) in a cave until it's parts become rare enough that this head project would have been worth it I would. I loaded up with Benz's and can't really keep them all, but if I'm going to eat dirt then maybe I'll cruise it for a while longer.
I'd sell it for cheap to a forum member though, as long as they are going to drive it or use the parts for a good cause.

__________________
63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6