[spanners]

Burning Oil

Valve stem seals are a very common cause of oil consumption on the 102 engine.

They can be replaced using a special tool without the need to remove the cylinder head. Take it to an MB specailist and it shouldn't cost too much to replace them.

 

[spanners]

Re pistons

There are two ways.

One involves using a tool that screws into the spark plug hole and fills the cylinder with compressed air, holding the valves up whilst you do the job.
I've never been a fan of that method because if anything happens to the air line the valve will fall in.

The preffered method for me is to bring the piston to the top, and when you press the valve spring down (with the specail tool), the valve bottoms on the piston allowing the spring to be removed.

 

[spanners]

Re Oil

This is probably caused by a leaking rocker cover gasket, which can be replaced at the same time as you do the valve seals.

The valve seals can not cause this problem as they are internal seals that when worn allow oil to leak into the cylinders thus causing the engine to burn oil.[]

 

[spanners]

Re rocker cover

This is a simple enough job.

Remove the air filter, spark plug wires, undo the five nuts holding the rocker cover on and replace the gasket.

The carburettor does not need to be removed for this job.