I am on my THIRD valve cover gasket -now cracked , on my 300SDL . Factory specs say 10 Nm which is about 7 lb- ft. torque. Everyone purchased from dealer who had to order in the gasket from Ft. Worth - supposing fresh stock.
I don't get it.
The gaskets seem to last a few months and then begin to crack at random locations along the gasket.
Anyone else have this trouble or is my torque wrench just that far out?

I am getting tired of replacing them and don't like the oil leaks.

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1986 300SDL 201K Daily Driver
1984 300D In Progress
1989 240GL 196K Swedish Brick
1984 300SD -- Sold 289K
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Mr Gilmore,

Forget the wrench. Do it by feel, it only needs a gentle 'snugging up'. That rubber seals pretty good to a clean surface.

Start loose and check for leaks.. tighten up just a little each time if it does

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