How hard is it to change the valve cover gaskets? It looks pretty straight forward. Is it a DIY job?

 

It looks pretty simple. I think you remove the airbox and then you can just take them right off. I don't think the fuel lines or anything else are blocking, but that would be what you want to check for. Also, don't drop anything down there.

If yours are leaking, you can try tightening them before you replace them. If they're still leaking, you would need to replace. There are also two separate sections. The valve cover is attached to the head and uses a gasket. You'll need new gaskets, and you might want to spray them with copper gasket sealer so they never leak again. On top of the valve cover is a breather cover which can also leak. It does not use a gasket, so you'll need some liquid gasket sealer to reattach those if they're leaking. You might want to check first which (or both) are leaking.

 

I tried tightening them already and it's still leaking. It's definitely not the breather cover either I was thinking to make it easier to remove the coils and plugs while I'm at it. The only tough part looks like the screws towards the fire wall. It lookes tight to get to them.

 

the MB part# for the top cover sealant is 003989982010, I have to re-seal mine this weekend.

 

I've debating to do mine as well. I still don't have the correct tool bit to remove the screws. Can anyone post a link to the correct tool needed to remove the screws it seems that a regular socket would strip them.

Zerogeek - Welcome!
Can you be so kind and post pics and share w/your MBworld members.

Thanks

Armani

**Autohause carries them
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...Cover%20Gasket

 

what is the torque and bolt pattern for the gaskets

 

I have an extra valve cover for the passenger side I would be willing to part with. It was resealed with the correct updated bolts and sealant. Make offer.

The sealant took a good 48 hours to stiffen in my case. Pls keep that in mind.

Tip: I drained my oil to cut down on the spillage. Protect the wires/plugs/exhaust with old towels while changing. It does get messy.

10lbs ft/lbs according to MB DVD. I went up to 15 lbs - 10 seemed to loose to me. I torqued inner bolts then worked outside on a diag pattern. No leaks/issues to date (4,000 miles). Invest in a set of Male/Female Torx sockets. You will need em for @ on our cars.

Pic 3 - 50k miles no sludge - Mobil 1 every 3-5k

 

If you are a member over at BenzWorld you can check out my DIY here.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...er-gasket.html

 

Thanks for the info guy's, I still haven't had a chance to do it as my other car is in the garage now being fixed.

 

thanks for the info will do it this weekend

 

You can remove them with a standard 6 point socket. They're threaded into aluminum, so they're very low torque. If you're gentle, you shouldn't strip the star pattern.

 

What kind of sealant did you use? Anything that we need to look out for? Seems pretty straight forward.

Thanks for the info/pics!



Armani

 

Ok, I take that back looks like a lot of work... I just read up the write up on Benzworld thanks for the link Yacht Master.

Luckily mine aren't leaking, but I know eventually I will have to replace.

Armani