DIY: Remove and replace valve cover gaskets and spark plugs
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 421
Likes: 14
From: Bay Area
2004 E500 CLK320
DIY: Remove and replace valve cover gaskets and spark plugs
I just wrote this DIY procedure on the 2004 CLK320. The procedure is similar/identical to the E320/E350/E500/E550 and the SLK320/350. Hope that will help someone out in saving some big bucks for such an easy DIY.
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ark-plugs.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ark-plugs.html
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 421
Likes: 14
From: Bay Area
2004 E500 CLK320
I used the Permatex gasket sealant (not silicon based) I bought from Kragen for $6. It does not get hardened. I don't recommend using the silicon based gasket maker (on the valve cover), which gets hardened and the excess needs to be trimmed off -- obviously you can't trim off the excess (silicon base) sealant on the inside of the valve cover once it's tightened.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I used the Permatex gasket sealant (not silicon based) I bought from Kragen for $6. It does not get hardened. I don't recommend using the silicon based gasket maker (on the valve cover), which gets hardened and the excess needs to be trimmed off -- obviously you can't trim off the excess (silicon base) sealant on the inside of the valve cover once it's tightened.
Thanks for the info.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 81
Likes: 5
From: USA
2018 C300 Coupe
Used the DIY instructions linked in the first post to replace my leaky valve cover and breather cover seals. The procedure was similar enough to be a helpful reference for my 2005 E500 m113 engine. Had to diconnect the fuel rail supply hose to remove the left valve cover...other than that, everything else was very similar. Had the covers sand-blasted and painted before re-assembly...$40 for sand blasting and about $25 for the VHT engine primer/paint/clearcoat. Everthing looks clean and no leaks after 200 miles! Used Permatex Super Black RTV on the breather covers and new Elrhing Klinger gasket seals/ Febi breather hoses from Pelican Parts. Pelican was great, had the parts to my door in less than 24hours after ordering! Did not use sealant on the valve cover gaskets btw...although some people prefer to do so. Anyway, great diy write was a big help, thanks SZMB! Anyone considering doing this should go for it as it's a straightforward job.
