Are aftermarket gaskets just as good as MB genuine parts?
02-05-2011, 08:58 AM
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1999 Mercedes Benz E320
Are aftermarket gaskets just as good as MB genuine parts?
I have a 1999 E320 Base sedan. The car is leaking oil from the valve covers (both sides) and rear main seal. My mechanic is replacing my transmission so he will do me the favor of replacing the rear main seal.
However are Genuine Mercedes Parts recommended versus aftermarket in terms of the gaskets?
I came across this guide
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...er-gasket.html
It also says I should use "BLUE RTV" on the gaskets.
However are Genuine Mercedes Parts recommended versus aftermarket in terms of the gaskets?
I came across this guide
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...er-gasket.html
It also says I should use "BLUE RTV" on the gaskets.
02-05-2011, 10:54 AM
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98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Maybe - maybe not.
MB valve cover gaskets are rubber and have little 'tabs' to hold the gasket in place. They shouldn't require any 'helper' RTV provided they are torqued to proper specs. E10 @ 8Nm. Actually the valve covers are two pieces - large lower part and smaller upper portion. Those pieces are joined with RTV since no gasket is offered.
You can get OEM gaskets from places like autohausaz cheaper than the dealer. I'd suggest you also replace the oil inspection port gasket at the same time. A common leak site on M112/113 engines.
Finally, the tubes that run from the EGR valve to the upper half of the cover gasket may break when you try to remove them as they get brittle with age.
MB valve cover gaskets are rubber and have little 'tabs' to hold the gasket in place. They shouldn't require any 'helper' RTV provided they are torqued to proper specs. E10 @ 8Nm. Actually the valve covers are two pieces - large lower part and smaller upper portion. Those pieces are joined with RTV since no gasket is offered.
You can get OEM gaskets from places like autohausaz cheaper than the dealer. I'd suggest you also replace the oil inspection port gasket at the same time. A common leak site on M112/113 engines.
Finally, the tubes that run from the EGR valve to the upper half of the cover gasket may break when you try to remove them as they get brittle with age.
Last edited by RichardM98; 02-05-2011 at 12:37 PM.
02-05-2011, 05:14 PM
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88 535is, 89 318iT
Aftermarket is fine. Make sure all surfaces are clean and put a pea sized glob of RTV in the corners of the half moon shapes. Definitely replace the hoses that attach to the breather covers.
Also, remove the breather covers, replace the aluminum cap screws and re-RTV the breather covers, cuz you're leaking from there too and it's easier to do with the covers off the car.
I just use the gray RTV now, since it's the highest rated.
Do plugs too at that time, if you haven't to reduce duplicate work.
Budget most of the day to complete.
Also, remove the breather covers, replace the aluminum cap screws and re-RTV the breather covers, cuz you're leaking from there too and it's easier to do with the covers off the car.
I just use the gray RTV now, since it's the highest rated.
Do plugs too at that time, if you haven't to reduce duplicate work.
Budget most of the day to complete.
