It is pretty clear at this point that I will be pulling my left head and possibly my right head. See past posts on oil leaks. While I'm at it I may just go in and do the chain. I havent done this job on an MB V8 in 26 years.

I would like to know what chain guides generally wear and which ones become accessable with the heads off. I seam to recall getting at the upper 4 guides without pulling heads (Yes/No). How critical are the lower chain guides. Might it be worth pulling the front engine cover. Also how do I inspect a chain tensioner.

John Roncallo

Definitely replace the three upper guides, the tensioner and the tensioner rail. I wouldn't worry about the two lower guides on the engine block, they are quite robust and are a pain in the ass to change, especially on an SL. You must either pull the engine or drop the subframe to get the SL specific one piece cast oil pan off.

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Chas

Had a 380SL, 450SL, 380SEL, 420SEL, 500SEL

Got a Euro 500SEC right now.