DIY: Remove and replace valve cover gaskets and spark plugs
#76
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ML350 4Matic and CLK 430
Oil leak residue on valve cover?
In your pic...I see you mention oil build up on the valve cover, etc.
isn't that just normal carbon build up? From my experience, this doesn't indicate an oil leak...I've seen this build up on all engines I've worked on.
Just curious cause I have some build up on my CLK, but I don't believe there are any leaks.
isn't that just normal carbon build up? From my experience, this doesn't indicate an oil leak...I've seen this build up on all engines I've worked on.
Just curious cause I have some build up on my CLK, but I don't believe there are any leaks.
#77
MBworld Guru
You are correct, the build-up has nothing to do with leaks, but it should nonetheless be cleaned when replacing the gaskets. Especially the ports for the oil ventilation breathers.
#78
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1999 ML320, 2009 Cayenne GTS
Looks to me like the majority of that oil leak in the OP is seepage from the PCV chambers. Worth stripping those off and checking the tiny (1.5mm!!!!) hole isn't choked up. What a crap design!Also, +1 to no gasket sealant on the valve gasket - only on the vent chambers.
#79
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04 E500 Pewtergrey/ 06 E55 AMG White
I am getting ready to do this, so that smaller valve like cover on top of the valve covers are called breather covers?
Just want to be sure as I will pick up parts tomorrow from my local dealership
Also the one tube that you need to disconnect on the drivers side rear top of the valve cover, what is it called? It is sort of a hard plastic and wraps around towards the rear of the engine (black) Im afraid if i twist it, i will break it or should i just replace it? Thanks
Just want to be sure as I will pick up parts tomorrow from my local dealership
Also the one tube that you need to disconnect on the drivers side rear top of the valve cover, what is it called? It is sort of a hard plastic and wraps around towards the rear of the engine (black) Im afraid if i twist it, i will break it or should i just replace it? Thanks
#80
MBworld Guru
That tube probably will break. There are actually two - one on each side. I'd go ahead and buy new ones. They are called "ventilation hoses"
A1120180382
A1120180182
There maybe a third one (on the driver's side). The dealer parts counter can look them up for you. If they have a hard time finding the parts diagram in EPC< tell them to look under "Engine" -> "Intake and Exhast Manifolds".
A1120180382
A1120180182
There maybe a third one (on the driver's side). The dealer parts counter can look them up for you. If they have a hard time finding the parts diagram in EPC< tell them to look under "Engine" -> "Intake and Exhast Manifolds".
#81
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W209(sold), W212, X204
Getting ready to do my valve covers and spark plugs! This is an awesome guide.. I'll be buying all the stuff for my mechanic to do this. Got a few questions:
1. Should I put anti seize on the spark plugs? What is a good brand to buy?
2. What kind of Gasket sealant should I buy for the small/breather covers?
3. Are there any safe products to clean the valve covers with?
1. Should I put anti seize on the spark plugs? What is a good brand to buy?
2. What kind of Gasket sealant should I buy for the small/breather covers?
3. Are there any safe products to clean the valve covers with?
#82
MBworld Guru
There is a "factory" part for the breather cover sealant, but it's basically black RTV. As for cleaning the covers, especially where you remove the old sealant on the breather covers, there is also a factory part for cleaning that, but again, it's just RTV solvent available at most auto parts stores. I used Gunk Engine Cleaner to clean up the grease. Microfiber cloths work great to remove any oil residue after soaking them in cleaner.
#83
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2005 E55 AMG, 1991 MR2
I cleaned all the sealant by hand, I didn't know there were solvents available It took ages!
#84
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W209(sold), W212, X204
There is a "factory" part for the breather cover sealant, but it's basically black RTV. As for cleaning the covers, especially where you remove the old sealant on the breather covers, there is also a factory part for cleaning that, but again, it's just RTV solvent available at most auto parts stores. I used Gunk Engine Cleaner to clean up the grease. Microfiber cloths work great to remove any oil residue after soaking them in cleaner.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=554295_0_0_
I'm guessing it's fine to use, but is there any major issues if some of the gunk engine degreaser gets into the cylinder head? Or perhaps I should just use some good ol gasoline lol
I don't. It will change the torque required which can cause over tightening and breaking things. I had no trouble removing what looked like the original spark plugs after 80,000 miles.
I cleaned all the sealant by hand, I didn't know there were solvents available It took ages!
I cleaned all the sealant by hand, I didn't know there were solvents available It took ages!
Last edited by Eojj; 09-16-2014 at 06:26 PM.
#86
MBworld Guru
^ +1
You'll be cleaning the covers off the car, so there really shouldn't be much of a chance to have degreaser around the engine. And that is why I suggested a final clean-up with a microfiber cloth - those do a great job of removing residual oils. I buy bags of microfiber cloths from Costco. I wash them first, then use pristine cloths the remove wax, then after that, they become "shop towels".
You'll be cleaning the covers off the car, so there really shouldn't be much of a chance to have degreaser around the engine. And that is why I suggested a final clean-up with a microfiber cloth - those do a great job of removing residual oils. I buy bags of microfiber cloths from Costco. I wash them first, then use pristine cloths the remove wax, then after that, they become "shop towels".
#88
MBworld Guru
Got to MBUSA.COM, and click "Owners". You can find your car's maintenance manual there and the spark plug change interval will be listed in it. I believe on your car, it's every 91K miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
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M-Rods (03-10-2016)
#94
Member
Thanks for the feedback. I can't speak to what was always used, since I've been a quickie oil change place guy until discovering this forum. I always had them use synthetic, but who knows what it was. Now that I'm back to DIY, I'm doing all Mobil 1 0w-40. At least it doesn't look all crudded up like that one I saw earlier on this thread.
Just finished valve cover & breather gasket on the right (passenger) side. Also replaced plugs (with Bosch Iridium, which were the same price as the platinum) and wires.
Elsewhere here I saw the post about cleaning the tiny hole through the breather cover leading to the right side breather hose. I used a wire on that since it was partially blocked, and also replaced that hose. No P0400 code yet, so maybe that was the solution.
Right side plugs were pretty rough. Most likely original equipment, and overdue for a change.
Just finished valve cover & breather gasket on the right (passenger) side. Also replaced plugs (with Bosch Iridium, which were the same price as the platinum) and wires.
Elsewhere here I saw the post about cleaning the tiny hole through the breather cover leading to the right side breather hose. I used a wire on that since it was partially blocked, and also replaced that hose. No P0400 code yet, so maybe that was the solution.
Right side plugs were pretty rough. Most likely original equipment, and overdue for a change.
#96
Member
Oh, one more observation; my oil fill neck would NOT pop off as suggested in the original post. I had to undo the passenger's side valve cover with the neck in place, then loosen the philips head screw on the interior side to remove.
#98
No, do not use any sealant on the valve cover gaskets. However, the breather cover that is on top of the valve cover does not have a pre-formed gasket - you use black RTV on it. And you should remove it to clean it out along with cleaning the valve covers and the vacuum hose ports.
From the original post, it shown he put the sealant all around lol
Please kindly advice, thanks!