VC Gasket - '88 260E - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

85 DSEL · #1 10-20-2018, 10:56 AM

I'd like to hear from those who have experience replacing their valve cover gasket on the M103. I ordered a genuine MB gasket but was wanting to know if it is recommended using a dab of sealant in the back side where that half-moon shape is. Since it is an area prone to leaking I don't know if it is prudent to do so. If so, WHAT brand and type? What are your thoughts? Any other caveats I might benefit from, bring 'em on!

Dale

Hit Man X · #2 10-20-2018, 01:43 PM

Clean and dry.

Smart move going OEM, VR and the like last 12-24 months for me tops...beats Meyle motor mounts for the M103.

Consider replacing those breather hoses while it is off, maybe plugs too.

85 DSEL · #3 10-20-2018, 02:33 PM

Yeah that's what I thought, clean and dry. Thanks for the heads up on the hoses. Is after market ok on those? Thanks

Dale

Hit Man X · #4 10-20-2018, 02:39 PM

I spring for the extra few dollars for OEM hoses. I guess if you are flipping a car, just toss on whatever. Aftermarket is full of **** now and some of those are a real pain in the ass to R&R...like the IAC ones.

Plus, if you ever have to sell the car, OEM replacement parts will up the value to me. It shows the owner actually cares about the vehicle.

Ah, grab that oil filler cap seal while in there.

85 DSEL · #5 10-28-2018, 05:19 PM

Well, I decided that properly refinishing the VC was waaaaay more involved than I have time for at this point! A friend who works at a local community college took it in and had it 'blasted' with high pressure water in some kind of machine they use for such. It got most of the built up grease and grime off but not much toward removing the existing finish - which I would guess is the original. I sprayed some aircraft paint stripper on it a couple times and got as much as I cared to remove at this juncture and called it "good"! I'm letting the paint finish its self-destruction and maybe another day when I'm looking for something to occupy my time, I'll jump on it

. Hey, it's sure ugly but it seems to NOT be leaking! I can live with that...

Replaced the gasket, small rubber tube, oil filler cap seal and then fought with trying to get the plug wires stuffed back inside the plastic retainer with NO success and even broke it in the process. It already had a couple cracks that were covered with electrical tape so it was time to find a new one. eBay $10 free shipping. I also ordered a new front cover that goes over the distributor as one of the tab slots was blown out on mine.

Why the heck do we keep driving these dinosaurs? I've always been the kind who marches to my own drum which I guess explains why I like driving these old MB's. They are not you cookie cutter, look-a-like Asian cars that everybody else drives. As long as parts can still be found and it's not a rust-bucket, I'll keep driving it. Overall quality is superior on them as well.

Oh, did I mention I replaced the wiper filler with a spankin' new one - FROM THE DEALER! They love me there, because I'm one of very few still coming in for various parts.

Dale

Hit Man X · #6 10-28-2018, 08:06 PM

All that and no pictures? Come on!

85 DSEL · #7 10-29-2018, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

All that and no pictures? Come on!

Ok ok...!

duxthe1 · #8 10-29-2018, 09:01 PM

Get a loom!

85 DSEL · #9 10-30-2018, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duxthe1

Get a loom!

Got one comin'

Hit Man X · #10 10-30-2018, 12:49 PM

Agreed, loom it up! Looks clean.

RPM55 · #11 11-01-2018, 08:33 AM

The factory coating on their valve covers is damn near impossible to remove. I believe it is probably powder coat. If it is flaking and peeling it is usually because the metal underneath is oxidizing. Your best option would be to find a good used valve cover.