Front Cover gasket
 

Sometime this winter, I am going to replace the front gasket on my timing cover.

I have searched the threads thoroughly..and I usually see something like "much easier to do compared to the head gasket).

However, I haven't seen any advice, pitfalls or step by step. Also any idea how long it might take to accomplish this?

Also, does anyone know the gasket part number?

1988 300e Slight oil leak 110k

Thanks in advance for any advice

See this one: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=102977

gasket
 

the gasket is mercedes #103-015-02-20 also the valve cover gasket is 103-016-04-21 you should also get some mercedes sealant it is mercedes # 003-989-20-10
Ray
mercedessd@cox.net

Buy the CD. The entire process is in it.

Thanks...I have the CD....just haven't had the time to look at it....

I'll look at it....sometimes experience by members on the board, give more practical advice than the cd

It's covered here:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=102977&highlight=m103+leak

Which is a darn fine posting thread, IMHO. :)

thanks...it's buried deep in that link..but I found it and that along with the cd manual will make the job easier to walk through.

Use the recommended sealant. It is expensive but your resealing will last much longer. Using the wrong sealant could easily result in it leaking immediately.

You will need to slide the upper cover rearward and the correct sealant allows the lower U seal to stay in place. When sliding it rearward, use your fingernail to carefully see that the shaft seal does not fold and slips over the end of the camshaft correctly.

Good luck and Merry Christmas,

Larry,
By correct sealant do you mean the locktight 5900 or the MB stuff?

Seems like loctite 5900 is the MB stuff... you can buy it in tubes for 11-12 dojllars according to several websites.

Did somebody say CD manual??

They sure do make the job easier, thats why I'm selling them.

I was referring to the MB stuff, but it seems that there was a thread ages ago that gave the aftermarket equivalent. I think the answer was from Benzmac.

Merry Christmas,

Here's a sealant thread:


http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=24642&highlight=sealant

Replacing Timing Cover Gasket
 

I replaced my upper timing cover gasket a couple years ago and it is still nice and dry with no leaks. It's not a difficult job if you take it slow. The gasket itself is a u shaped piece that fits between the upper and lower timing covers. The rest of the assembly is sealed only with the special MBZ sealant (I bought it from fastlane). You will also need a new cam seal if I recall correctly.

To be successful you need to really clean the mating surfaces well. I scraped off all the old sealant and then cleaned the surfaces with lacquer thinner to remove any oil residue. Pay particular attention to the bottom corners, between the upper and lower cover, where leaks are likely to appear. There is a crevass that will leak if you don't get it absolutely clean. I used a sharp scribe to clean all the gunk out so the new sealant can do its job.

John