I understand there is a top end lubrication issue with these m110 motors that can cause gunky build up and even flat cam lobes. Other than changing the oil frequently, does anybody have tricks to combat this? I use 20w-50 dino oil, shoiuld I change to synthetic or add that Lucas product that they used to demonstrate in auto parts stores with those plastic gears? The car has 148k.

You might want to consider a synthetic oil, but I would not use the Lucas products....they do more harm than good. (Studies have shown they can allow the oil to froth and foam, causing very poor lubrication)

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The early 110's had problems with cam lobe lubrication. A later design reduced the number of cam bearings to increase oil pressure and flow to the lobes. I personally have not heard of problems if the oil was changed at reasonable intervals, and the valves were kept adjusted.

Because the 110's are leakers, I would not change to synthetic. But if you're not using any oil, you might consider a lighter weight like 10/40 to increase flow when the engine is cold.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Out of curiosity, which years were the problematic cam lobes produced?

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Don't Chrome them; polish them

Beats me. If I had to guess, I would say 1975-76.

I do know that my '73 280C had the old style and my 1978 280SE had the new. The EPC shows breakpoints for cams and cam boxes for injected and carb'ed engines. For example, for the 110.985, it's #16848.

There is a special kit to block the oil passages of the bottom of the cam box if you need to put a new-style cam in an older box.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

So how many bearings per cam has the newer design compared to the old design?

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My 110 engine (.984) is a '77, which is injected, so I have to guess it is the version w/fewer cam bearings, and yet there is a bearing on either side of each cam lobe. So if the earlier engines had more bearings, where were they?

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I think the old style has six bearings and journals. I think the new style has four, but it might be three. Like I said, I'm dealing from memory here. Sounds like you have the old style.

What is your engine #, just for grins?

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

110.984 12022309

I suppose being the old version would explain the reddish color of one of the lobes. I noticed this when adjusting the valves a month or so ago. All the rest were of normal color.

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Don't Chrome them; polish them