I will be replacing the head on my 85 300D in a couple of weeks with a rebuilt head. Ive obtained all the parts I need except for the threaded lugs that hold the manifold onto the head. Fastlane/partsshop do not carry them.

The price for these at the local MBZ dealer is $13 each!!!! and there are seven of them!!! $100 for the set!!!! Give me a break!!!

If I cant get new ones for $2-$3 each, I will try pulling out the old ones and re-using them. I hear I can get a "lug bolt puller" at Sears....I have no idea what this is or what it looks like.....i'll look into it.

My main concern is to do this job quickly over two days....I dont want to spend one day fighting with the G__ D___ lug bolts!!!!

If I can get a set of new ones for under $25 or so I would do it for peace of mind, unless you folks can give me good indication that removing and reusing old ones will be very straightforward.

Thanks in advance

MarkM

__________________
1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)

Go buy some long threaded bolts and cut the heads off and make them the right length.

__________________
I got too many cars!! Insurance eats me alive. Dave

78 Corvette Stingray - 3k
82 242 Turbo Volvo - Manual - 270k
86 300e 5 speed manual - 210k
87 420sel - 240k
89 560sl - 78k
91 420sel - 205k
91 560sel - 85k
94 GMC Suburban - 90k
97 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - 25k
00 GMC Silverado 1 ton 30k

I know that head bolts are very special (high grade steel, stretch bolts, etc.) and I would think that manifold stud bolts are not very special at all. But is it really that simple (no disrespect intended...just asking to make sure)?? I dont know anything about grading systems for bolts, as to hardness etc. Can I just use the metric bolts in the bins at Pep Boys? Also, on the OE studs, is the thread size the same on both ends??

At any rate, I may still use the old ones, but having some extra bolts of the proper size ready to cut and use as studs sounds like a good backup plan in case I cant get old ones out.

Any further advice??

Thanks,

MarkM

__________________
1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)