swsdavis

The MB dealer has diagnosed a valve cover gasket leak on my V-12 Benz. Very costly dealer repair, according to them. Intake to be removed,....etc. Does anyone have some advice???

sgaar

The dealer is correct. The intake and a number of other things needs to be removed. If you are familiar with working on the car, you can do it you self. It did it on mine when I had an SL600. The intake can be a little tricky to get off. Very snug fit but if you loosen the rear engine hoist bolt you can get it out.

Other than that, it is fairly simple. Just keep track on which bolt and screw goes where (sandwich bags are your friend!) so you can put in back together again.

Here;s a couple of pics of the work and the finished result.

swsdavis

Thanks for your post. According to the dealer, the valve covers themselves have apparently deteriorated and need to be replaced. They have also suggested replacing the wiring harness which is brittle and deteriorated from heat and age and some portions are under the manifold. All in all, about $2500 in parts alone. I have replaced vitually everything on the car to this point..... Why stop now

sgaar

It sounds odd that the covers have deteriorated. How did he arrive at the conclusion? They are made from magnesium and should last forever.

I would get a second opinion. Also the wire harness should not be a problem on a 2000. MB changed the harness from a degradable material to normal wires back in 1993 or '94. Have you seen anywhere on the engine harness where the wires are exposed?

I am not sure that I would trust the dealer on this. Try to find an indy that has experience with MB.

swsdavis

Stopped by the dealer and took a look. The valve covers are showing signs of deterioration/corrosion probably due in part to being in S Florida it entire life, salt air. It's not a certainty that it's the oil leak cause, however there condition is suspect. The wiring harness itself is brittle. No exposed wiring, primarily the plastic connectors are desentagating due to years of heat. Gotta due it while intake is off. Don't want to have to pull it again. Total parts at my reduced cost is $2100. I've got a mechanic that can due the work for cheaper than the dealer. Thanks for your posts & photos. Great help!!

Regards,

Scott Davis
All Lines Public Adjusters
305-898-3626

sgaar

You are welcome. I still don't buy that the covers are corroded. The paint might be peeling off, which is why I powder coated mine when I had them off, but that doesn't mean they are bad. Mine looked bad when I took them off, but after media blasting on both sides and powder coat, there were no pits in the metal.

Get them media blasted and powder coated and they will last many years. The '98 SL600 I had came from Ft. Lauderdale in FL and had been there all its life until I brought it to Charlotte.

I know that the connectors can become brittle but with care when you disconnect one, there is no problem.

The reason for all this is that you might not have to spend this kind of $$ and I hate seeing someone taken for a ride by a dealer.

swsdavis

I appreciate your concerns. I have a great rapport with the Service manager at this Dlr. He has worked closely with me for years, discounting his labor rates & cost plus 10% on parts. I dont disagree with you regarding the valve covers. It is hard to believe they are the direct cause of the leak. I have ordered them due to the remote possiblity that they are bad....I can return them if mine are fine. No harm/no foul. The wiring harnes is detiorating(ends etc...), so I cant see not replacing while I have the intake removed. Its $1k, and replaces everything on top end of motor. I have literally replaced just about evey component on this car, front-end, all hydraulic suspention, including rear bags, top cylinders etc...... Can't stop chasing it at this point, as the car brings NO money if I sell it.