Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: n/a on November 23, 2004, 19:19:43

Title: First Time Valve Adjustment, Not So Bad!
Post by: n/a on November 23, 2004, 19:19:43
Hello members.  I adjusted my valves for the first time and it was not so bad. A crowfoot wrench works quite well with an extension and a breaker bar, and working with a remote starter was a joy in order to get the lobes just right. Most valves were  too tight and a few too loose.  I did retorque the head prior to valve adjustment which was done with the engine stone cold.  The adjusters can be quite stubborn initially, so use a breaker bar to free them up a bit.  Do not slip or you will round off the adjusters and that is the last thing that you want to happen.  All in all, fun and very satisfying, and much easier than my diesel! Engine is purring like a kitten, well like a kitten with a shot rear muffler anyway!
Title: Re: First Time Valve Adjustment, Not So Bad!
Post by: tuultyme on November 23, 2004, 21:18:10
Maybe more like a good tuned lion!  
One day I will tackle this job.  Need to figure out the remote starter.

Bruce; 268Blaugrun(green) 1970 280SL; IL
Title: Re: First Time Valve Adjustment, Not So Bad!
Post by: n/a on November 24, 2004, 00:04:02
Bruce, the remote starter is easy.  I took a few pics that I can share.  My car is a '70 as well, if yours is an automatic, I can show you exactly how to set up the remote starter, piece of cake!
Title: Re: First Time Valve Adjustment, Not So Bad!
Post by: jeffc280sl on November 24, 2004, 10:23:06
How often should this job be done?

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed
Title: Re: First Time Valve Adjustment, Not So Bad!
Post by: tuultyme on November 24, 2004, 12:04:11
Yes mine is automatic; please share pictures.

Bruce; 268Blaugrun(green) 1970 280SL; IL
Title: Re: First Time Valve Adjustment, Not So Bad!
Post by: George Davis on November 24, 2004, 13:03:35
Jeff C.,

I don't know the recommended schedule for valve adjustment, but I do it each year.  I put maybe 3000 miles/year on the car, and usually find a couple of valves that need a small adjustment.  I consider it part of the spring tune-up.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual
Title: Re: First Time Valve Adjustment, Not So Bad!
Post by: jeffc280sl on November 24, 2004, 13:57:12
Thanks George,

I'll put it on my list of to do things.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed