I am currently in the process of replacing all the seals/gaskets on my Mercedes OM617 engine. Not a complete overhaul as I will not be touching the pistons or valves (engine ran fine with no blow by, just leaked oil like a sieve)


I have a few questions that I was hoping someone who has done this before could help me with.

1) Where can I purchase the two pins that hold the harmonic balancer in place? I read that these must be replaced during installation but have not been able to find any to order on PP or any other website for that matter.


2) What type of sealant should be used for the upper oil pan and cylinder block? I am certain that it should be hi-temp sealant but there are so many to choose from that any recommendations would be appreciated.


3) When applying the proper torque to the harmonic balancer bolt is there any way to lock the fly wheel without the special tool? or has anyone ever made their own tool to lock the flywheel for this?



Thanks in advanced, any help would be greatly appreciated on these questions. I just got all components off the engine (vacuum pump, injector, oil filter housing, turbo, intake/exhaust manifolds, water pump, etc.) So I will be taking the upper oil pan off next week and start with replacing the crank shaft seals, cam chain, and cam chain tensioner and slide rails.