maneesh

Yes I've read many posts stating that this is aluminum and delicate and yada yada yada... However, I chipped the valve cover (1/4" chip) where it mates with the breather chamber while trying to separate them with a thin flathead screw driver. The chip is on the rim that gets the MB RTV sealant.

I'm scouting for a used one, but even that will require me to separate the chamber and put in new RTV because I'm sure it is old and have to wait for it.

Another option is to put it in with the chip but making sure I use plenty of RTV to take the place of the chipped rim.

Also any thoughts on workable methods to separate the upper chamber from the valve cover? On the right side, I used a big screwdriver to "pop the top" by turning it around the hose nipple as leverage. Perhaps I should try that as similar nipple exists.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

maneesh

Here is a photo of the chipped location.



Left side valve cover, chipped area in red circle.

Maj. Dundee

These ventilation chambers are very difficult to remove because of the sealant they used. You need many sharp blades and a utility knife. Try using a heat gun to soften the area, but it will be difficult. If it breaks you must buy the entire valve cover.

If you have already removed the three bolts, you cannot use them again as they are one use only bolts.

maneesh

Thanks Maj. Dundee.

I already purchased new bolts including the long ones.

I'm debating between buying a new one versus a used one. I would still have to separate the used one and reseal it so that is work. With a new one, I would have to out the oil filler neck on it. Am not sure which is easier.

Maj. Dundee

The only way you will be able to get a used one is if the junk yard has already removed in and has it in stock. But if they have an eng. in stock, they will not remove a valve cover and sell it to you for obvious reasons.

If you get one, why would you want to separate it, just replace the entire valve cover. Like this one, the seventh image down.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...cover&_sacat=0

maneesh

My fear is that the sealant might be old and may leak in some 10k miles. There is one on ebay that came from a 2005 CLK350 with 153k miles on it and it is near where I live so I can go pick it up. However, just concerned about the seal b/c don't know if it was ever replaced.

maneesh

Just to close the loop on this thread. I was able to get a valve cover from a salvage yard that looked like it had nice amount of sealant around the upper breather chamber. I put this in and have not seen any issues so far, knock on wood.