well I bought the valve stem seals for my 86 300e, I went thru my cd and the bible and can not find a good step by step or what torque to set the rocker arm bolts, can any one help with any time savers or things to watch for, the bible says to watch for stripped bolts on the rocker assembly does anyone know what size so I can get a heilycoils ahead of time, thanks

Unless an animal replaced the valve seals earlier in the engines life you should not have to worry about the threads that hold the rockers in place.

1) Remove valve cover
2) Remove camshaft oiling tube
3) Remove 1 thru 5 rocker assemblies
Caution: (watch shims on the valves, keep in order)
4) Place compressed air into the cylinder being worked on
Caution: (Engine will turn as air pressure builds)
Use valve spring compressor of choice to R&R springs
5) Replace valve seals
6) Reinstall shims to their respective valve
7) Reinstall rockers 1 thru 5 (hand tight using 1/4" drives)
8) Remove rocker 6
9) Replace valve seals than reinstall rocker (refer to step 7)
10) Torque the 8x1.25 bolts to 12lb/ft
11) Reinstall oiling tube, dab blue loc-tite on securing bolts
12) Reinstall valve cover with new gasket

When I do this repair I work cylinders 3/4, than 2/5, than 1/6, it minimizes the number of times the engine rotates. As well leaving rocker number six in place while working the front five is a preferance.


Watch
Seals, two different diameters
Shims between lifters and valves

Try sticking with ¼ drive ratchets for reassembling the rocker assemblies.

I wrote this up a while back when I did mine - in lots of details. Do a search for "M103 valve stem seals done".

Good Luck.

__________________
D.H.

04 ML500
02 E430

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

thanks for the replys, doesn't sound to bad, I will start sat. morning and should be driving in the afternoon. again thanks