eatbeef40

I got a 2002 clk 430 and I got oil leaks on my right valve cover gasket and am planning on replacing it soon. I just wanna know what tools will I need for this, whats the zig zag or correct pattern I should go about when tightening the bolts? Does it have to be the same when I loosen them?

Also, I plan on changing the spark plugs on the right side since I'm replacing the right valve. I just wanna know if I change spark plugs on that side, should I just go and replace the other side as well? I'm hearing that changing spark plugs on driver side is more difficult..

jonUF02

Spark plugs are pretty easy, especially once you have the coil packs and wires off to change the valve cover gasket. You just need the right size sockets and extensions to fit in there. The offset 17mm open-end wrench "tool" will make pulling the boots easier and prevent damage to the wires.

There is a really nice DIY with pics and torque specs somewhere for the valve cover, I just did my right side because of leak/smell. It's a long thread with debate about whether you need gasket goo or not. I only used a couple of drops of the goo at the points where the gasket takes a hard angle. I just used a random pattern and was really careful with the torque wrench so I would not mess up the head. All is well, no more leak. I will have to do the other side soon, already bought the gasket, but not leaking and lots of other projects right now

etownbala

If you are going through the hassle of doing one side you may as well do both. Same goes for the spark plugs.

KRis

eatbeef40

How difficult is it to change the spark plugs on the driver side? Do I have to get under the car or remove the filler neck gasket cap?

jonUF02

Nope, you don't need to get under the car at all, you just need to remove the coil packs and use 17mm wrench to pull the boots from the plugs without damage. There is another thread right now about spark plugs. Unless you have gorilla hands, it's not too bad with a little patience and standard sockets and extensions.

ThatsMyDawg

+1

If you are already in there probably better to do both. Just had mine done 2 weeks ago.

Benzdel

Hey did you have to remove the spark plug boots before removing the valve cover ? Or can you just remove the coil pack and leave them plugged in. Thanks!

jonUF02

From the last pics posted, it appears you don't have to remove the plug wires, but I did.

It's been a while, I still haven't done the left side. My right side was leaking and causing burnt oil smell, so I changed it. I bought the left gasket as well, but not leaking and too many projects, so it's still sitting on my bench.