Ser05E500

As I was changing spark plugs the other day on my 05 e500 I noticed a small leak on top of the engine at the valve cover seal. Car has 80,000 miles. I did some reading and noticed that this happens often on the v8 e500 engine. I found valve covers for $15 a piece at autohausaz.com.

Has anyone changed their own valve covers? I am thinking about doing it my self and could use some help.

I tried to search but other then few complaints, I did not find a detailed repair procedure.

I have had the car for 2 and half years and have put on 60,000 miles and so far I did not have any big problems with it. Knock on wood. One time alarm was going off for no apperent reason and the break light switch had to be changed but other then that I have been very pleased with this vehicle.

Thank you in advance
Dan

vettdvr

Is it the valve cover leaking or the seal on the small cover at the rear of the pass side cover?

m4coyote

My 44,000 mile E500 has a very minor leak on both of the small covers on top of both valve covers. It does not appear to have a formal gasket, but appears to be sealed with RTV. I have not gotten around to it, but one day soon, I will clean the covers pretty thoroughly, pull the small covers, and reseal them with a quality sealant. The worst part of this job appears to be removing all of the ignition coils.

Ser05E500

[QUOTE=vettdvr;3735063]Is it the valve cover leaking or the seal on the small cover at the rear of the pass side cover?[/QUOTEI]

Its the seal and its at the rear of the pass side cover.

Ser05E500

Its the two small covers on top of the engine.

m4coyote

That is exactly where mine leaks. It appears to be sealed with black silicone RTV sealant, but I will use Permatex RTV Ultra Black. Ultra Black has proven to me that it is tougher, more leak resistant, and generally superior to regular RTV silicone sealers. Another great product for this purpose would be Hylomar Universal Blue. It was first developed by Rolls Royce, and has proven to be a really good performer.

novae500

earlier this year i noticed the DS valve seal was colored and oil seepage. Had 32k miles on it and got it fixed with black sealant at the dealer since it was under CPO.

vettdvr

I use a special black silicon sealant on the diff cover (no gasket just sealant) on my 3/4 ton diesel truck. Works great. looks like it will work on a MB cover also.