DIY: Remove and replace valve cover gaskets and spark plugs
#101
MBworld Guru
Here's a photo I found on the web. The large part is the valve cover and that will use a pre-formed gasket where it mates to the head. The smaller part fits onto the valve cover and that's where you use the black RTV sealant.
#102
Senior Member
I used RTV sealant and it didn't seem to seal 100%. There is very little seepage, very little. Not enough to hardly even dirty the covers. Most likely I will re-seal them with original Mercedes sealant to ensure 100% seal.
#103
MBworld Guru
For the breather covers, you don't need genuine MBZ sealant - black RTV works just fine. I do, however, recommend genuine MBZ gaskets for the cover-to-head surface. I used Victor Reinz and they leaked. When I replaced them with OEMs, I realized they VR's were just too thin.
#104
MBWorld Fanatic!
I used dark grey RTV. They didn't have black. If you clean all the gunk out and put a good even bead down you shouldn't have any leaks. I torqued the valve cover down to 5Nm over multiple passes. I started with finger tight and final torque once it had cured. Sounds overkill but it worked perfectly. I also used genuine MB gaskets after reading some of Rodney's previous posts.
#106
[QUOTE=Rudeney;6281400]Here's a photo I found on the web. The large part is the valve cover and that will use a pre-formed gasket where it mates to the head. The smaller part fits onto the valve cover and that's where you use the black RTV sealant.
Hello all,
May you please kindly advice me is this the leaking from the valve cover gasket? and in 6 months ago I just fill up the oil to top for my car but then now it showing 1.5L require to fill up, I think most likely because of this leakage.
Thanks in advance as I'm a fresh mechanic here lol
#107
MBWorld Fanatic!
Probably the valve cover gaskets and the breather cover. All that gunk wipes off the coil packs quite easily. I would pull it all apart, clean it really well and replace gaskets. 1.5L sounds like a bit much to lose from there but I would see what your oil usage is after replacing the gaskets.
I would also get some corrugated plastic tube to cover those wires running towards the alternator. Maybe a good time for spark plugs and leads if you haven't done them already.
I would also get some corrugated plastic tube to cover those wires running towards the alternator. Maybe a good time for spark plugs and leads if you haven't done them already.
#108
MBworld Guru
Yep, that looks like the typical leak you get from the valves and breather covers. Like TW2 said, I am surprised it would leak 1.5l in 6 months, but then a bit of oil burning (say 1 liter per 10K miles) along with the leak and you're probably in the normal range.
#109
Thanks Rudeney and TW2, ok let's fix the valves covers first then I will check everywhere lol
#110
Valve cover gasket
For the breather covers, you don't need genuine MBZ sealant - black RTV works just fine. I do, however, recommend genuine MBZ gaskets for the cover-to-head surface. I used Victor Reinz and they leaked. When I replaced them with OEMs, I realized they VR's were just too thin.
#111
MBworld Guru
Yes, it is very difficult to work connect the breather hoses. Removal of the MAF sensor can help. For cars older than 8 years, it's often necessary to just replace thhe hoses and sometime even the clips an seals for the MAF sensor.
#112
Breather hoses connector to TS
I ordered a kit with all 4 breather hoses and connectors. One of the connectors, a sort of "T", goes on the throttle body. I searched for many photos of the TB and connectors but still cannot figure out what goes on the connection marked "A" on top and "B" at the bottom of the connector. Attached is a photo of the connector with some notes.
Last edited by fernmc; 01-10-2015 at 11:46 PM. Reason: replacing photo
#113
Newbie
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CLK55 AMG, Past; CLS550 SL500
excellent DIY write-up.
1: spark plug recommendations for w209 clk 55 amg ??
2: would you buy the specialty wrench some have purchased for spark plug removal ??
1: spark plug recommendations for w209 clk 55 amg ??
2: would you buy the specialty wrench some have purchased for spark plug removal ??
#114
MBWorld Fanatic!
I used ngk laser iridium, part number is on their website and on here somewhere. Very cheap on ebay. Or you can use stock Bosch?
Any socket set has the right socket to remove the spark plug. The tool is for removing the ignition leads from the plugs and i cannot emphasize how much easier it makes it.
Any socket set has the right socket to remove the spark plug. The tool is for removing the ignition leads from the plugs and i cannot emphasize how much easier it makes it.
#115
MBworld Guru
Yes, pulling those plug wire off can be a real PITA. I have a set of pliers like this:
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/astr...15-P43803.aspx
The hose pliers on the left work great for pulling plug wires.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/astr...15-P43803.aspx
The hose pliers on the left work great for pulling plug wires.
#116
Let me ask anyone: the right valve cover has 9 screws. 5 at the top, 4 at the bottom. Two of the 5 screws at the top are longer because they sit on the breather cover. The question is: the other 7 screws are shorter but are they the size? Answering my own question after visiting MB dealer: The 7 shorter screws are all the same size.
Last edited by fernmc; 01-14-2015 at 06:59 PM.
#118
Member
One more thing...I did buy a thin-wall plug socket which worked great. The question is whether you really need a thin wall socket. I thought I'd let you know that I mistakenly tried using a conventional plug socket and I couldn't get it to seat on the plug. That's when I went back to the thin-wall and no problemo.
#119
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yep thats the tool. I think it even says mercedes 17mm boot puller or something similar. Worth every cent. In reality it is just a strange looking 17mm spanner but the shape is just right for levering the metal boots off. I used a regular 17mm spanner before this and it was much more difficult.
Maybe I got lucky with my socket set
Are you asking if the other bolts are the same thread/pitch? Yes I believe they are.
Maybe I got lucky with my socket set
Are you asking if the other bolts are the same thread/pitch? Yes I believe they are.
#120
Breather valve cover
I replaced the right side valve gasket and breather cover seal a few days ago. I used MB gasket and applied 9 Nm torque. It's holding. However, the breather cover is leaking a lot at the bottom. I used Curil-T based on what I've read in many posts. I cleaned the cover and base well, applied what I thought be a good amount of sealant but something didn't work. Maybe I should have pressed the sealant with a putty knife on the breather cover instead of just putting it there with the sealant tube, or maybe I didn't apply the right torque [I got 4 Nm on those 2 smaller screws of the breather cover], or maybe Curil-T is not right for this application. I still have to redo that cover. I would appreciate your comments.
Last edited by fernmc; 01-14-2015 at 11:26 PM.
#121
Valve cover breather gasket
I replaced the right side valve gasket and breather cover seal a few days ago. I uses MB gasket and applied 9 Nm torque. It's holding. However, the breather cover is leaking a lot on the bottom. I used Curil-T based on what I've read in many posts. I cleaned the cover and base well, applied what I thought be a good amount of sealant but something didn't work. Maybe I should have pressed the sealant with a putty knife on the breather cover instead of just putting it there with the sealant tube, or maybe I didn't apply the right torque [I got 4 Nm on those 2 screws of the breather cover], or maybe Curil-T is not right for this application. I still have to redo that cover. I would appreciate your comments.
Last edited by fernmc; 01-14-2015 at 11:29 PM.
#122
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yes definitely use the mercedes sealant or regular RVT grey or black. Don't over do the torque on the breather bolts. They are aluminum and can snap easily. I used 5Nm for the main valve cover bolts. The tiny breather cover bolts I did them all as tight as I could get them with my fingers using only the torx bit and then about 90 degrees with the wrench.
#123
breather valve cover gasket
Yes definitely use the mercedes sealant or regular RVT grey or black. Don't over do the torque on the breather bolts. They are aluminum and can snap easily. I used 5Nm for the main valve cover bolts. The tiny breather cover bolts I did them all as tight as I could get them with my fingers using only the torx bit and then about 90 degrees with the wrench.
#124
MBWorld Fanatic!
I haven't looked at page 1 for a long time. I did not apply sealant to the rubber gasket for the valve cover, only the breather cover. If the metal sealing surface of the head is free of debris and the valve cover is clean then the rubber gasket should seal perfectly on its own.
#125
Hairy hands
I haven't looked at page 1 for a long time. I did not apply sealant to the rubber gasket for the valve cover, only the breather cover. If the metal sealing surface of the head is free of debris and the valve cover is clean then the rubber gasket should seal perfectly on its own.