Head removal tips? 1983 380 SL
 

I will remove the head and try to replace the valve guides on piston # 8 at least. Is their a way to remove the camshaft sprocket to remove the head without removing the timing cover? Leave the chain in place and mark it's postion to the cam.

Two things here to consider:

1): You can just wire the chain to the sprocket, remove the bolt (use a large screwdiver or something similar to keep the sprocket from turning) and slide the sprocket off. Wire it up when you have the head off to keep the chain from getting out of control.

2): This engine did not have the steel inserts for the head bolts installed at the factory. If the threads are seized on the bolts, the thread will come out with the bolt and you will have to install inserts to re-install the head. This requires a special jig to get them at the correct angle, and is rather expensive (jig was $1500 a while back). I'd talk to an independent mechanic familiar with this engine before tackling this job. If he feels you need to have the inserts done, I'd let a shop do the valve job.

you should also consider a chain conversion, too, if you still have the single row chain.

Peter

Valve seals you can replace without pulling the head.

Valve guides require the head to come off. Have you replaced valve guides before? It's not really a follow-the-instructions-in-the-book kind of a job.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Very interesting information, do the bolts on the camshafts have right handed threads, and do they turn the same direction? I think they do turn in the same direction. I hope the bolts do not pull the threads with them.

I took the valve covers off and I saw double chains, that was a good surprise as I was expecting the worst.

I will try to replace the seal and if that doesn't do the job I will tackle the guide on #8 cyl thats fouling up the plug. :eek: