Author Topic: Valve clearance Adjustment  (Read 5477 times)

menesesjesse

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Valve clearance Adjustment
« on: January 20, 2009, 20:28:35 »
I just received my cylinder head from the rebuilder and I was going through my books for adjustment clearances.  I have a MB book that covers r/r and adjustments for M/B including the 230 SL cars from 1959 to 1967.  My book says that the valves should be set at 004 for the intake and exaust valves.  My other aftermarket workshop book says 004 for the intake and 007 for the exaust.  I saw the history on this subject but was wondering what manual should I go with.  My motor is a rebuilt from Metric motors and I want to be sure I have this right before I install the motor.  Thanks for the help
Jesse
1966 Mercedes 230 SL auto
2003 Mercedes E500
1992 Ford F150
1994 Ford Bronco
2019 Shelby GT350R
1967 Mercury Cougar XR7

graphic66

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Re: Valve clearance Adjustment
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2009, 22:49:00 »
Set my 66' 230SL with a stock m127 engine to .003 intake and .007 exhaust. Runs great. I would bet .004 intake and .007 exhaust would work fine, but not both at .004. A quick call to Metric may be in order here though.

ja17

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Re: Valve clearance Adjustment
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2009, 03:12:06 »
Hello,

.004" for both is wrong.  I like to use .003" int. and .007" exh.

The best way to adjust them is to  tighten the  adjustment up until the feeler gauge is "locked" in place then loosen until the feeler gauge cam be removed with slight resistance.
« Last Edit: January 21, 2009, 08:13:08 by vanesp »
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

lurtch

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Re: Valve clearance Adjustment
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2009, 04:14:31 »
Hello Ron,  Check out the cam lobe damage I experienced on my M130.

This is what happens when the ball stud adjuster break-away torque is diminished.

It will back out of the setting and eliminate your valve clearance. (You will never know, untill you start to get missfires )

Hope and pray this does not happen to your engine. Metric Motors would not accept this camshaft as a core.

Good Luck,  Larry in CA
Larry Hemstreet  in  N. Cal.

1966  230SL  (restored) Met. Anthracite w/ Maroon leather
1981  300TD-T (Concours condition, 86K, GETRAG 5sp.)
1982  300TD-T (parted out)
1986  560SEC (totaled)
1991  300TE (gifted)
1998  E320 (sold)
2004  E320 wagon (gifted)
2008  CLK550 Cabriolet

menesesjesse

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Re: Valve clearance Adjustment
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2009, 19:44:13 »
Thanks 003 and 007 it is.  I just wanted to be sure.  Almost everything in the head is new.  I paid a handsome sum for the head and I replaced almost everything.  I had a machinist in alexandria do the work.  The head looks like new now.  I cant wait till my motor comes in later this week.  I will post pictures as I am doing everything from my 1 car garage.  I just wish I had the money to do a frame off.  Oh well I know this summer will be fun once I get her running.
Thanks for the info. Jesse
Jesse
1966 Mercedes 230 SL auto
2003 Mercedes E500
1992 Ford F150
1994 Ford Bronco
2019 Shelby GT350R
1967 Mercury Cougar XR7