Help! can't remove bolt on valve cover.
 

I had been trying hard to remove valve covers on my 92 400E for the whole day, I managed to remove the left valve cover, but couldn't remove the right one. The problem is the outside bolt at rear, there is little space between valve cover and the firewall, I can't apply any torque to the bolt with Allen wrench.

Do I need a special tool? or I have to remove the firewall? I am now still trying in my garage, helps over the internet will be greatly appreciated.

Nothing more frustrating...

Are you using a socket wrench, or would that not fit?

If you are using an 'L' wrench, you can put a 3/8" steel pipe on it to get more torque, which most hardware stores have in various lengths.
Sometimes you can put a pair of vise-grips on the end, or even a crescent wrench.
Both of these solutions presume you have the space.

Have you tried percussion? If you can get anything in there to whack on the L wrench, that might work.

Sometimes you can use a pry bar. Get the arm of the L wrench close to the head/cover, slide prybar between until lower end is sitting on the head, and pry. May not be room.

Hope one of these helps.

www.mcmastercarr.com -- go there (or any tool store) and purchase a Ball-End hex wrench. These allow up to 25-degree offset and keep 100% engagement.

Good luck!

Brian16V

Uh I don't think you want to use a pry bar on a 5mm allen bolt.

I got mine out by sawing a 5mm allen wrench off about 1/2 in length. You can then insert the small straight allen wrench into the allen bolt and drive it with a 1/4 ratchet (with a 5mm bit and a univeral joint)

Warning: getting it out is real easy compared with reinstalling the bolt once its out.

W124's and V8's are a bad combination for the people that have to work on them. Of course they are great fun for the people that do the driving...

Best of luck - Tim