[Komrade 124]

Next week I am planning to address my slowly leaking valve cover gaskets and will also be replacing the spark plugs and timing chain guides and thoroughly inspecting the wires, caps, rotors, and coils. She will get fresh oil and filter. I will also be tackling the oil pressure sender at this time.

Anything else I should plan to do while I'm in there?

My list of parts so far and what part numbers I could find. If a knowledgeable person could check these I would be hugely grateful.

-Valve cover gasket set (119 010 13 30, 119 010 14 30)
-Copper O-ring seals for the bolts (18x 007603-006106)
-Spark plugs (already purchased from Clark!)
-Chain guides (119 050 03 16, 119 050 02 16, (x2) 119 052 09 16)
-Oil pressure sender (006 542 94 17)
-Oil pressure sender seal (007603-012102)

And tools

-Torque wrench (9Nm on the bolts)
-Stubby 5mm allen swivel socket (1/4")
-Brake cleaner to clean covers when they are off

A few things I'm wondering
-Should I switch to synthetic oil at this point? (160k miles)
-What is the best method for keeping the valve cover in place and ensuring it sets properly at the rear of the engine?
-As it's a 92 400E I should not have to worry about plastic oiler tubes, correct?

The best walkthrough I could find so far is from the 500E board


These are helpful as well
Replacing M119 Valve Cover Gaskets
http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/MB CD/W124/w124CD1/Program/Engine/119/01-0500.pdftubes

 

[Clarkz71]

The valve cover gasket can be kept in place with super glue.

Been doing that for years. A drop every inch.

Make sure the cylinder head cover is very clean and oil free.

On the oil tubes, depends on the build date, you can remove the oil fill cap
and see the first tube.

If you need a set of aluminum I have a spare set.

 

[maduell]

I just did the same and the oil separator tube will most likely need replacement, it's under the #4 spark plug hole, mine broke off when removing right side cover. Breather tube on inside of cover slides over it:

119 010 00 62 - Oil Separator
119-016 01 81 - Breather Hose

 

[Komrade 124]

119 010 00 62 - Oil Separator
119-016 01 81 - Breather Hose

Thank you for the heads up, are there two sets of separator/hose per side of the engine?

Any advice on changing to synthetic considering the mileage?

Thank you Clark for the super glue tip, clever!

 

[Clarkz71]

Thank you for the heads up, are there two sets of separator/hose per side of the engine?

Only the R/S head

Any advice on changing to synthetic considering the mileage?

Never too late for a good 5W40 synthetic.

Thank you Clark for the super glue tip, clever!

No problem, tricks of the trade.

 

[Komrade 124]

Never too late for a good 5W40 synthetic.

Just what I like to hear!

Is 'Formula M' a suitable variety?

 

[Clarkz71]

Just what I like to hear!

Is 'Formula M' a suitable variety?

That is a good oil, but is a group III synthetic, highly refined dino.

maduell and I both use Motul 5W40 that can be ordered in 5 liter jugs
for about $40 per.

It is a true synthetic group IV oil.

 

[Komrade 124]

Valve Cover Gaskets

Quick update.. it was a long weekend!

The final parts arrived Friday afternoon..

some more..

the plugs were sourced from Clark

got a new fuse box as well :thumbsup:

and here's the patient before the operation... 1992 400E with 161,500 miles.

stripped down..

The lower rear bolts are a notorious PITA but with a 5mm hex swivel socket it is completely manageable. I sourced my via the VIM set available on amazon

the valve covers came off smoothly, although both required some force to pop the covers off the head. The insides looked neat and clean, years of dino juice have left a nice golden varnish on the metal components. Luckily no plastic oiler tubes.

Replacing chain guides..

with new ones!

cleaned the covers thoroughly with brake parts cleaner, put the gaskets in place and added a dot of super glue every inch or so along the sides to hold it in place as per Clark's tip, very helpful! Both sides seated perfectly the 2nd or 3rd try. Very easy.

Also replaced all the plugs.. the old ones had a good bit of soot and 'rounding' off of the ground electrode tips

it's a beautiful thing..

replaced oil with Motul 5w-40 synthetic and filter with a new genuine MB element, after that she went all back together again! I took her for a 60 mile drive up I-5 then checked for any leaks, dry as a bone! She runs notably smoother and quieter now, most likely due to the plug change, it's hard to tell if the engine is even running at idle now. :eclipsee_steering:

..also I saved the oil pressure sender for a rainy day

Thanks again to maduell and Clark! And to Gerry over at the 500e board :beerchugr:

 

[Komrade 124]

...the only hitch was breaking one of the breather/vac lines running from the top of the driver's side valve cover.. I replaced it with some new fuel line for the moment but I can feel they are all brittle and would like to order the proper replacements for all the small rubber lines along the top of the manifold, the larger ones were replaced last year with the throttle body.

I've highlighted the hoses that need replacing here, if anyone has part numbers for the lines or connections that would be appreciated!

 

[luckymike]

...the only hitch was breaking one of the breather/vac lines running from the top of the driver's side valve cover.. I replaced it with some new fuel line for the moment but I can feel they are all brittle and would like to order the proper replacements for all the small rubber lines along the top of the manifold, the larger ones were replaced last year with the throttle body.

I've highlighted the hoses that need replacing here, if anyone has part numbers for the lines or connections that would be appreciated!

Great writeup and pics. Thank you.

 

[LTYLER]

Agree, excellent writeup. Nicely Done

 

[maduell]

Deja Vu...

I got the breather lines from Clark. He has part numbers and can get them all for you.

Lionel Rutter at MB of Gainesville can also get them for you if you have part numbers.

Feels good to get all of those new parts on the car...yes?

 

[Clarkz71]

I'll PM you the numbers you need.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Komrade 124]

Feels good to get all of those new parts on the car...yes?

Indeed, glad I switched over to synthetic as well.

I feel more in touch with the car now too, peering into its oily heart was like seeing a glimpse into its teutonic soul..

:Smoker:

 

[ae9519]

I've been thinking about switching to synthetic but not sure yet. Only one out of 3 shops mentioned my car was leaking oil (the leaks must be almost nothing because I've never seen a drop on the ground after parking.) Do you guys think it's worth switching over?

 

[Clarkz71]

Remove the oil fill cap and look in with a flashlight.

If the cylinder head looks clean, you oil is fine.

If it's dark brown, you need to either service the car more often
or use a good synthetic.

 

[maduell]

PS Cap

I have a proper cap for your PS Reservoir...part# 000 466 03 28

PM me if interested

 

[Komrade 124]

I have a proper cap for your PS Reservoir...part# 000 466 03 28

PM me if interested

Received and installed, thanks!

 

[Rahl956]

I recently replaced the driver's side valve cover gasket and spark plug rings was not easy put doable...

 

[MSGGrunt]

I am about to undertake the same project. New valve cover gaskets and was wondering if you can share the part numbers for the hoses and connectors under the intake filter housing. This is what I came up with for a picture and part numbers. Are all the M119s the same?

The part numbers I came up with are:

#116 A 10 209 402 12, 2 each
#119 A 11 799 015 78, 5 each
#122 A 11 909 426 82
#125 A 11 909 427 82
#128 A 11 909 428 82
#131 A 11 909 440 82
#134 A 11 909 431 82
#137 A 11 909 462 82
#140 A 11 909 455 82
#143 A 11 909 444 82
#146 A 11 909 402 12
#149 A 11 909 403 12

#126 and #144 I couldn't find part numbers for.