Progressive M156 DIY works -Camshaft and Camshaft solenoids advice needed

[Vincyby]

On my basic M156 DIY journey starting last year, I changed my injectors as a precaution due to the 150k plus mileage and last week replaced all seals and rocker cover gaskets due to slight leaks. On inspecting my cam shafts, discovered significant wear on one of the intake lobes on bank 2(see pic) and limited wear on others, so expect the camshafts and tappets will need changing in the near future. Not sure I am DIY capable yet, so if anyone has had this completed at a MB competent garage what were the rough costs in £k’s ?

Camshaft Solenoids Assembly
These need attention, since seals are leaking and I want to change the solenoids as some are oily up to or through the connection cables.

Is this a straight forward job to remove the assembly and replace the solenoids ? Any advice is welcome from forum members.

Thanks

 

[ALFAitalia]

If you are a methodical and clean worker, keep notes and take pics, its not that difficult, if a little time consuming. There are upgraded coated followers available now too. Part number A1590500000...from the Mercedes SLS Black Series. Not cheap....but cheaper if you hunt around or get them from abroad.

Pardon our interruption...

....or...

Mercedes Camshaft Follower - Genuine Mercedes 1590500000

Mercedes Camshaft Follower - Genuine Mercedes 1590500000

www.fcpeuro.com

 

[badgx]

M156 is a DIY friendly engine in my personal opinion, compared to say M157. I'm scarred of the newer m178 engine, never worked on one, looks scary and very complex.

If you've covered £150k, whilst there I would recommend replacing the valve stem seal even if cat shows no signs of blue smoke under heavy load. Just my opinion. Also consider E14 new head bolts along with the black series hydraulic lifters as mentioned above

Just sharing some photos, these are part of my enjoyment I had when working with this engine.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Good post and good pics....its nice having an engine you are not scared to work on....my OM642 is not bad either.
Just as a note....leaking valve stem seals will cause smoke on the overun when lifting off or when you rev after a period of sitting idle or from a cold start.... not usually under load. Under load blue smoke on an NA engine would usually hint at rings/piston/bore wear.

 

[badgx]

^^^ correct as shown in this video. The rubber on the valve stem deteriorates. Cheap fix and worth considering as part of the top end re build.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Vincyby]

M156 is a DIY friendly engine in my personal opinion, compared to say M157. I'm scarred of the newer m178 engine, never worked on one, looks scary and very complex.

If you've covered £150k, whilst there I would recommend replacing the valve stem seal even if cat shows no signs of blue smoke under heavy load. Just my opinion. Also consider E14 new head bolts along with the black series hydraulic lifters as mentioned above

Just sharing some photos, these are part of my enjoyment I had when working with this engine. View attachment 168513View attachment 168514View attachment 168515View attachment 168516View attachment 168517View attachment 168518View attachment 168519View attachment 168520View attachment 168521View attachment 168522View attachment 168523View attachment 168524View attachment 168525View attachment 168526

Wow, great work and thanks for your advice, much appreciated. Like me, you don’t have a garage but still did a great job.

 

[Vincyby]

Good post and good pics....its nice having an engine you are not scared to work on....my OM642 is not bad either.
Just as a note....leaking valve stem seals will cause smoke on the overun when lifting off or when you rev after a period of sitting idle or from a cold start.... not usually under load. Under load blue smoke on an NA engine would usually hint at rings/piston/bore wear.

 

[Vincyby]

Many thanks for your advice. Since my headbolts are the old type I will get the seals done at the same time, since I intend to keep my E63 long term and enjoy the DIY fun.

 

[badgx]

Well done and enjoy