M110 Valve seals - Specialist needed

[isobars]

Hi All,

Would anyone know of anyone - up north if possible - who could change the valve seals on my 280CE.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[isobars]

Just had a quote from Dronsfields of 8 hours labour for the seals, more if it needs valves. I could probably buy a lot of new plugs for that.

 

[grober]

If you mean the valve stem O ring seals you have to remove the camshafts and timing chain. http://mb.bolinko.org/wis/w123/CD01/Engine/110/05-270.pdf
I would entrust this only to a specialist used to working on the M110 engine specifically.
8 hours doesn't seem excessive bearing in mind what's involved including setting the valve clearances afterwards.

 

[ss201]

Get a quote from Mick Gudgeon at Lime Tree Garage, High Rd, Halton, Lancaster LA2 6PS. 01524 811063. Less than a mile from J34 M6.

Ex-Mercedes master tech with 20 years experience of working on Mercedes. Has looked after my Mercedes admirably for the last 7/8 years. Honest, straightforward and very reasonably priced - labour rates are £38 + VAT per hour.

Recommended in the Mercedes-Benz Club Good Garage Guide. I have sent a good number of Club members there - all of whom have been very happy with Mick's work.

 

[isobars]

Hi Graeme,

Apart from the oil loss and plug fouling, does it cause damage? It doesn't misfire, nor does it smoke whilst running, just on start and finish.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[isobars]

Get a quote from Mick Gudgeon at Lime Tree Garage, High Rd, Halton, Lancaster LA2 6PS. 01524 811063. Less than a mile from J34 M6.

Ex-Mercedes master tech with 20 years experience of working on Mercedes. Has looked after my Mercedes admirably for the last 7/8 years. Honest, straightforward and very reasonably priced - labour rates are £38 + VAT per hour.

Recommended in the Mercedes-Benz Club Good Garage Guide. I have sent a good number of Club members there - all of whom have been very happy with Mick's work.

Thanks for that, the hourly rate looks very good!

Top-Tip!

Cheers,

Paul

 

[jaymanek]

You do need an "old school" technician for this type of work, its involved if you are doing it in situ...

Most garages will advise removal of head so that they can let a specialist re builder do the work on the bench.

 

[Druk]

It's a real bummer of a job, I did it on an old 280SL a few tears ago. Best left if it's not serious.

Remember not to 'blip' the throttle before switching off. That helps in not dragging oil down the valve stems.



.

 

[isobars]

Thanks all for the advice, I'm fond of the 'best left'! The lad in Lancaster doesn't look too painful, though.

I picked the car up yesterday in the driving rain and eventual darkness. I'll have a proper close look at when and how bad the smoke is.

I've been avoiding that engine for years, but it's wrapped up in a lovely car! I've a few 123's and this is my first coupe, it does seem to drive a lot firmer than the saloon and estate. I assume it's meant to be like that?

When the honeymoon is over I'll see what the feeling is for it.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[grober]

Doesn't do any harm in the short term but if its bad enough to foul the plugs it's probably best to do something about it. Why not get a quote and advice from that guy that was recommended. It may be the valve guides/stems are worn also and the valve seats need a bit of attention so a complete top end rebuild altho not essential may be the most economic long term approach. As always you have to balance a lot of factors out- how long you intend to keep the car- what mileage has it done already- what is the rest of the car like--- body condition etc Cost of the repair V the value of the car etc etc. First stage is to get some quotes/options from a reliable source then you have information to base your decision on. It will cost as its a labour intensive operation.

 

[isobars]

Thanks Graeme, sound logic!

 

[isobars]

The object of my affection!
Click to enlarge.

 

[Druk]

The object of my affliction!

Fixed that for you Paul.


Lovely motor.


.

 

[isobars]

Very Good!!!!!

 

[E270 Owner]

A compression test might be advised before any work commences on valve stem seals












.

 

[isobars]

That's a good idea, many thanks. I'll get the lad in Lancaster to start there.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[ray_hennig]

The object of my affection!
Click to enlarge.

View attachment 40335

Is that the car in question? Is it as solid underneath as it looks on top?

If so, I'd get that engine sorted and enjoy the thing. It looks brilliant.

I imagine you could keep that for years, so if you spend some money now on some quality work, you'll have forgotten about the expense in a year.

I had a W123 280TE and it was great but, sadly, the rust got it but yours looks rust-free. If it really is, dig deep, only fit genuine parts and keep it.

My 2c worth.

Bonne chance.

RayH

 

[isobars]

Hi Ray,

It's solid all round, thankfully. Vous avez raison, a bit of a spend now will soon be forgotten and I believe if these 110's are in good order they're a fine thing - a bit of a drink problem, but so have I.

Salut

 

[Terry_]

Pay the money and get her right. She is a sweet looking old school Benz

 

[ray_hennig]

Hi Ray,

It's solid all round, thankfully. Vous avez raison, a bit of a spend now will soon be forgotten and I believe if these 110's are in good order they're a fine thing - a bit of a drink problem, but so have I.

Salut

Oui, j'ai raison et elles ont soif, un peu comme moi. La deuxième bouteille ce soir.

R