As you have read my previous post you know I just adjusted my valves. It was so easy that I drove the car last night for a few miles and decided to check my job this morning. What I found is puzzling. At least one of the valves I adjusted last night was out this morning and 2 of the ones I checked but did not change were out? Any Ideas. I did not use the valve spring retainer wrench. Is it necessary or is just to make the job easier?

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Mark
82 300SD 100k
91 Caprice SS
92 Jetta TD

You did not say how far out. If you did not adjust these valves that were not perfect the next day, you may have not been on the heel of the cam when you adjusted that particular valve.

The third wrench is for convenience, the valve is adjusted right or not.

Although you would like each one perfect, it's not the most critical thing in the world. If they were off by .001 or so on the exhausts and maybe a little closer on intakes, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Check them in 10 or 15k miles if you want to feel better about it.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Just how critical is the position of the cam when you are taking the measurement. I tried to get it as close as they show in the manual but with no marks for reference one must eyeball it which can be tricky to get the same each time.

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Mark
82 300SD 100k
91 Caprice SS
92 Jetta TD

Mark,

The lobe does not have to be EXACTLY on the heel of the cam, I believe about 30 degrees either way, maybe more, gives an adequate reading.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Larry;

Well even I can eyeball within 30* so I must be all right. I suppose when it comes to the adjustment that appears to change it could be small pieces of carbon that may get caught under the valve. I do know it was the exhaust valves that gave the most inconsistant measurements. Now I am happy. I don't think the valves had been done for a while and there were none that you would call out very much so that is good and the cam timing was right on so the chain is in good shape too.
All is well.

Thanks for your reply. :D

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Mark
82 300SD 100k
91 Caprice SS
92 Jetta TD

Mark,

All is good news. It sounds like you're going to take good care of the car. If you do, it will serve you for many miles.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles