SL/R230: Valve cover gaskets replaced
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 3
SL55 AMG
Valve cover gaskets replaced
I just thought I'd share my experience with the job. The procedure was pretty straight forward and I believe most people with moderate wrenching experience can pull this off.
-Remove intake assembly
-Unbolt ignition packs
-Remove wires from packs
-Swing packs out of the way
-Decided to leave the wires on the plugs
-Remove all bolts from valve covers
---PULL OFF HOSES CAREFULLY
-Passenger side cover comes right out
-Driver side I had to disconnect fuel connection
---some gas will run out so I reconnected the line while I cleaned my covers
-Took everything inside and degreased all parts
---the small vent housings needed a little "help" to come off
-Used a high temp gasket maker to reseal the vent housings
---kept covers at room temperature indoors while everything set
-Returned to car and placed new gaskets on the covers
-Installation is reverse of removal
-Letting the car sit over night to allow full cure of gasket maker
For reference I have 35,xxx miles and it's driven almost everyday
I hope this post helps a little for those who want to tackle the job themselves and I have attached some pictures for reference. I can answer some questions if any....
Next up is transmission mount
-Remove intake assembly
-Unbolt ignition packs
-Remove wires from packs
-Swing packs out of the way
-Decided to leave the wires on the plugs
-Remove all bolts from valve covers
---PULL OFF HOSES CAREFULLY
-Passenger side cover comes right out
-Driver side I had to disconnect fuel connection
---some gas will run out so I reconnected the line while I cleaned my covers
-Took everything inside and degreased all parts
---the small vent housings needed a little "help" to come off
-Used a high temp gasket maker to reseal the vent housings
---kept covers at room temperature indoors while everything set
-Returned to car and placed new gaskets on the covers
-Installation is reverse of removal
-Letting the car sit over night to allow full cure of gasket maker
For reference I have 35,xxx miles and it's driven almost everyday
I hope this post helps a little for those who want to tackle the job themselves and I have attached some pictures for reference. I can answer some questions if any....
Next up is transmission mount
Last edited by ForceFedSL; Feb 25, 2013 at 08:50 AM. Reason: forgot pics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Nice post thanks
A lot of people don't do the breathers, nice. Could you post some pictures?
Tip- Replace the left and right breather hoses or "crankcase breather hoses" that come out of the breather covers. They are about $9 per discounted. If the covers are leaking then the hoses need replacement, or do it at 50k miles on the M113 engine or M113K engine, they harden and get gunked up. Instant tune up!
I wonder if you could replace those hoses easily even if you didn't have to replace the VCG?
Tip- Replace the left and right breather hoses or "crankcase breather hoses" that come out of the breather covers. They are about $9 per discounted. If the covers are leaking then the hoses need replacement, or do it at 50k miles on the M113 engine or M113K engine, they harden and get gunked up. Instant tune up!
I wonder if you could replace those hoses easily even if you didn't have to replace the VCG?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 3
SL55 AMG
A lot of people don't do the breathers, nice. Could you post some pictures?
Tip- Replace the left and right breather hoses or "crankcase breather hoses" that come out of the breather covers. They are about $9 per discounted. If the covers are leaking then the hoses need replacement, or do it at 50k miles on the M113 engine or M113K engine, they harden and get gunked up. Instant tune up!
I wonder if you could replace those hoses easily even if you didn't have to replace the VCG?
Tip- Replace the left and right breather hoses or "crankcase breather hoses" that come out of the breather covers. They are about $9 per discounted. If the covers are leaking then the hoses need replacement, or do it at 50k miles on the M113 engine or M113K engine, they harden and get gunked up. Instant tune up!
I wonder if you could replace those hoses easily even if you didn't have to replace the VCG?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Kennedale, Tx
2004 SL500
You can replace the hoses without removing the covers. I forgot about the fuel line. Gas can get into the engine with the cover off and then you would have to change the oil. Reconnecting it was a good idea. Glad it all went well.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 271
Likes: 23
From: Kirkland, WA
2003 SL500
Why? Gas will evaporate from oils as soon as engine warms up. We used to add gas to the oil fill cap prior to shutting the car off to make it easier to start the engine when it is really cold outside.
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Just use a high-temp black RTV - something like this:
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...searchTerm=rtv
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...searchTerm=rtv
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2008 Ducati 1098 2003 SL55 AMG
Just use a high-temp black RTV - something like this:
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...searchTerm=rtv
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...searchTerm=rtv
This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. You have to use the Mercedes branded gasket sealer. Only Mercedes has it. It comes in a small white tube. I'm sorry, I don't have a picture of it.
Junior Member
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Posts: 58
Likes: 1
2008 Ducati 1098 2003 SL55 AMG
MBworld Guru
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
I've used that Permatex quick cure black RTV on several M112/M113 breather cover jobs with no issues at all. There's nothing special about MBZ's sealant. It's just good ol' black RTV made by Loctite. If you want to stick to the MBZ brand, then by all means, use it, and wait 24 hours for it to cure.
I did use the MBZ sealant when I did the oil pan on the CLK550. I was ordering other parts and figured I'd follow the WIS guidelines on that job so as to only do it once. I also used the MBZ/Loctite softener and prep cleaner as indicated. BTW, the oil pan leak was because the MBZ dealer who did the "balance shaft" repair either didn't properly clean it and prep the surface, or didn't wait long enough for it to cure and it leaked since then. Oh, and a few weeks ago, I sealed the oil pan on an old Ford Windstar with that Permatex stuff. I was a bit hesitant to use the fast-cure stuff, but I was doing the job out of town at my oldest daughter's house and didn't have the luxury of waiting to refill and test it. It worked like a charm.
I did use the MBZ sealant when I did the oil pan on the CLK550. I was ordering other parts and figured I'd follow the WIS guidelines on that job so as to only do it once. I also used the MBZ/Loctite softener and prep cleaner as indicated. BTW, the oil pan leak was because the MBZ dealer who did the "balance shaft" repair either didn't properly clean it and prep the surface, or didn't wait long enough for it to cure and it leaked since then. Oh, and a few weeks ago, I sealed the oil pan on an old Ford Windstar with that Permatex stuff. I was a bit hesitant to use the fast-cure stuff, but I was doing the job out of town at my oldest daughter's house and didn't have the luxury of waiting to refill and test it. It worked like a charm.
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 179
Likes: 4
Sl55 2003
advice needed
I've used that Permatex quick cure black RTV on several M112/M113 breather cover jobs with no issues at all. There's nothing special about MBZ's sealant. It's just good ol' black RTV made by Loctite. If you want to stick to the MBZ brand, then by all means, use it, and wait 24 hours for it to cure.
I did use the MBZ sealant when I did the oil pan on the CLK550. I was ordering other parts and figured I'd follow the WIS guidelines on that job so as to only do it once. I also used the MBZ/Loctite softener and prep cleaner as indicated. BTW, the oil pan leak was because the MBZ dealer who did the "balance shaft" repair either didn't properly clean it and prep the surface, or didn't wait long enough for it to cure and it leaked since then. Oh, and a few weeks ago, I sealed the oil pan on an old Ford Windstar with that Permatex stuff. I was a bit hesitant to use the fast-cure stuff, but I was doing the job out of town at my oldest daughter's house and didn't have the luxury of waiting to refill and test it. It worked like a charm.
I did use the MBZ sealant when I did the oil pan on the CLK550. I was ordering other parts and figured I'd follow the WIS guidelines on that job so as to only do it once. I also used the MBZ/Loctite softener and prep cleaner as indicated. BTW, the oil pan leak was because the MBZ dealer who did the "balance shaft" repair either didn't properly clean it and prep the surface, or didn't wait long enough for it to cure and it leaked since then. Oh, and a few weeks ago, I sealed the oil pan on an old Ford Windstar with that Permatex stuff. I was a bit hesitant to use the fast-cure stuff, but I was doing the job out of town at my oldest daughter's house and didn't have the luxury of waiting to refill and test it. It worked like a charm.
Any advice on the battery drain?
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 179
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Sl55 2003
valve cove gasket
Ok I started the job took everything apart , breathers cover leaking really badly as well as valve cover.
What do I use to clean the grease inside and out of the covers,( brake cleaner,) ?
Also on the edges of the actual heads where the valve covers sit, there is some baked on oil how do I remove, I tried
gas and a rag still some remaining. Dont want to use wire brush and risk scratching
so I am waiting here for answer before continuing.
Please advise asap.
What do I use to clean the grease inside and out of the covers,( brake cleaner,) ?
Also on the edges of the actual heads where the valve covers sit, there is some baked on oil how do I remove, I tried
gas and a rag still some remaining. Dont want to use wire brush and risk scratching
so I am waiting here for answer before continuing.
Please advise asap.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I used engine degreaser to get the bulk of the sludge off of the covers and breathers. Microfiber clothes do a great job of absorbing oil. Then I used a quick-flashing electrical parts cleaner to clean the kerosene residue left from the degreaser. You can CAREFULLY use a razor blade to clean the surfaces. Keep the blade as parallel as you can to the surface to prevent scratching. Don't worry about discolored areas - just rough or high spots.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: South Australia
2004 (MY05) SL55
Be careful with the small torx bolts/screws for the breather covers, they have a tendancy to shear, ask me how I know. Make sure you clean out the old RTV from the screw holes when you're cleaning up the covers. If you do snap any, the part number is N00 000 000 4436, apparently this is an updated design.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 382
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From: Norway
350 SL, R230 - 300 SL, R129 - 1964 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe - Porsche 911 Twin Turbo (sold)
I cant see anything wrong in using Permatex sealant since they make a lot of very good different kind of sealants.
But i would only use original Mercedes valve cover gaskets since they are the "press" on valve covers type
But i have heard of problems when using non original gaskets both on Mercedes and BMW meaning that the non original valve covers haskets are not up to the job and you will soon have a leak again
But i would only use original Mercedes valve cover gaskets since they are the "press" on valve covers type
But i have heard of problems when using non original gaskets both on Mercedes and BMW meaning that the non original valve covers haskets are not up to the job and you will soon have a leak again
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
TheSaint is correct.
I cant see anything wrong in using Permatex sealant since they make a lot of very good different kind of sealants.
But i would only use original Mercedes valve cover gaskets since they are the "press" on valve covers type
But i have heard of problems when using non original gaskets both on Mercedes and BMW meaning that the non original valve covers haskets are not up to the job and you will soon have a leak again
But i would only use original Mercedes valve cover gaskets since they are the "press" on valve covers type
But i have heard of problems when using non original gaskets both on Mercedes and BMW meaning that the non original valve covers haskets are not up to the job and you will soon have a leak again
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
The aftermarket head cover gaskets are simply too thin. I did the repair on a C240 using Victor Reinz gaskets and they leaked a week later. I researched and found this was common with them, so I swapped to genuine MBZ gaskets. I wish I had taken a photo, but the MBZ gaskets were a good 1.5x thicker than the Reinz. And only $20 more expensive.
The breather cover gaskets (and oil pan gaskets, and head cover gaskets on the M272/M273 engines) are RTV. You can use genuine MBZ, or any good high-temp black RTV. In fact, I hear many shops use the "quick curing" black RTV with no issues.
I generally use a genuine MBZ transmission pan gasket, but since the 722.9 needs to be changed every 40K, so the gasket only needs to last that long, You can save a few bucks going aftermarket, but the genuine MBZ part is not expensive. Also, i have found it fits better, making it easier to stay in place when reinstalling the pan.
The breather cover gaskets (and oil pan gaskets, and head cover gaskets on the M272/M273 engines) are RTV. You can use genuine MBZ, or any good high-temp black RTV. In fact, I hear many shops use the "quick curing" black RTV with no issues.
I generally use a genuine MBZ transmission pan gasket, but since the 722.9 needs to be changed every 40K, so the gasket only needs to last that long, You can save a few bucks going aftermarket, but the genuine MBZ part is not expensive. Also, i have found it fits better, making it easier to stay in place when reinstalling the pan.
