SL/R107: 1973 450SL purchase and valve adjustments
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Port Saint Lucie FL
1973 450SL purchase and valve adjustments
Were looking at a 1973 450SL. Its a good price for a nice car. Its got about 150k miles on it. Reading online, this model doesnt have the Bosch Jetronic (CIS) fuel injection. Is this a problem? Also I dont believe these cars had hydraulic valve adjusters. Is it a pain to adjust these? Ive adjusted valves on classic american cars and I am very mechanically inclined. Are there any special tools needed?
Is there anything to look out for on a 1973?
Is there anything to look out for on a 1973?
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'73 450
Hi,
I've owned a '73 450 SLC for over a year now and have done all the maintenance myself. I've found it a lot easier than modern cars to be honest as everything is accessible.
The valve adjustment is easy but you do need a special crow's foot spanner which I got online. The adjustment is an interference thread and is intentionally difficult to turn so you cant do it with a regular spanner.
The fuel injection is elctronically controlled and is generally reliable, I've had no problems but did replace all of the injector hoses which were still orginal just for safety.
The only "old" peice of technology that I intend to replace is the points, not because they dont work but I dont have a great deal of experience setting dwell angles etc so I'll stick in the Pertronix Ignitor soon.
Overall I wouldnt be scared to buy these cars, in fact from what I've read the power and engine design took some backwards steps in later years. Taking the timing cover off to adjust the valves means you keep an eye on the timing chain as well !!!!
I've owned a '73 450 SLC for over a year now and have done all the maintenance myself. I've found it a lot easier than modern cars to be honest as everything is accessible.
The valve adjustment is easy but you do need a special crow's foot spanner which I got online. The adjustment is an interference thread and is intentionally difficult to turn so you cant do it with a regular spanner.
The fuel injection is elctronically controlled and is generally reliable, I've had no problems but did replace all of the injector hoses which were still orginal just for safety.
The only "old" peice of technology that I intend to replace is the points, not because they dont work but I dont have a great deal of experience setting dwell angles etc so I'll stick in the Pertronix Ignitor soon.
Overall I wouldnt be scared to buy these cars, in fact from what I've read the power and engine design took some backwards steps in later years. Taking the timing cover off to adjust the valves means you keep an eye on the timing chain as well !!!!
