Restoring an 8,000 Mile 2.3-16 - Page 5 - Benzworld.org

**lomtevas** · 02-14-2008, 04:22 PM

This is the freshly installed thermostat housing cover in aluminum, not plastic.

The engine compartment is still dirty and the splash shield is removed for the duration. A new one is inbound from Germany.

The grab bag includes all engine sensors. Coolant will remain out of the vehicle for the duration.

Scale is found in the cooling system and looks easy to remove with a good flush.

**Kynyption** · 02-14-2008, 04:23 PM

dibs on free parts to hack up and customize.

**lomtevas** · 02-14-2008, 04:26 PM

A new overflow tank with new float sensor and new radiator cap is installed. I kept the old circlip because it was in new condition.

The new lower radiator hose is installed as are all forward hoses. Tomorrow, I will install the rear hoses running to and from the core which looks new. Under the wiper screen, all wiper mechanicals look new.

**lomtevas** · 02-14-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjb190e

Yummy 16V parts! I told my mechanic about your car today... He was jealous.

I am removing and installing parts as if I was an old master.

Actually, I only know the 16v because it is a 97% carbon copy of my 8v which I personally maintained for 17 years this August. I know every crack and crevasse in the 8v and there is virtually no difference between the two cars.

One difference is the splash shield. The 16v gets a bigger piece with an oil pan cut out held on by six screws and the 8v gets a four screw panel that is 2/3 the size.

The 16v also has a rear bulkhead shield that the 8v does not have. A new one is pictured below held upside down. It rides behind the motor and is held on by six sheet metal screws.

Another biggy is the lack of hydraulic tappets on the 16v. My 8v sounds smooth and melodious while the 16v sounds mechanical and menacing. The motor I will not touch unless the dealer tells me have to, then I will.

Otherwise, it's like working on my own car.

**lomtevas** · 02-14-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kynyption

dibs on free parts to hack up and customize.

You can have any of my excess. The stuff I have is old and not usable anymore. Further, I would never recommend using a part that is too old or worn.

**lomtevas** · 02-14-2008, 04:56 PM

By the way, my GL is the service vehicle for the 16v for the duration.

I expect to roll the 16 out for testing tomorrow evening with the wife in the GL as the chase vehicle.

Airdrew · 02-14-2008, 05:35 PM

It looks great! Good luck!

MTI · 02-14-2008, 05:36 PM

Go easy on the motor until you are absolutely sure about the chain, tensioner and the settings on the valves/shims.

**lomtevas** · 02-14-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

Go easy on the motor until you are absolutely sure about the chain, tensioner and the settings on the valves/shims.

I will personally do a valve lash adjustment next week. Any problem with the chain or tensioner will get the "machine gun the fly" approach.

MTI · 02-14-2008, 06:38 PM

Valve adjustment may require replacement 13mm shims, so make sure your feeler gauge is very good. There is a chart in the engine manual that helps keep track of the shms. Kawasaki makes 13mm motorcycle engine shims that can be used in lieu of the Mercedes pieces.

Regardless of condition, if the chain tensioner has not been updated, that might be the first item to be tackled. The new tensioner is spring based and doesn't require oil pressure to engergize it.