Hi Joe
Yes I did everything myself. When I was a young longhaired hippie some 27 years ago I had several 61-65 220sb cars. To hold on to the girls I needed at least one operational at all times – hence a lot of time in the car shop. The Pagoda is so similar that I didn’t hesitate for one second when the job was needed.
The 280sl was imported from the US about two years ago. I don’t know it’s history since only the original owner was shown in the documents. I expected that the 93.000 miles showing was more like 193.000 since the engine block had been previously bored. The cylinder block showed very little wear. The smoke and oil use came from worn valve guides and valve stems. Since I had the engine and gearbox out (also to paint the engine room and overhaul the power steering), I changed the valves and valve guides, all the bearing shells, piston rings and timing chain with guides. I had a shop measure all the parts and I also used them to install the new valve guides and to hone the cylinder walls. The valve seats were like new.
I got all the engine parts from SLS (sls.sparebase.de). They use prices 30-50% below Norwegian MB dealers. Total sparepart cost; about $ 2.900. Engine shop; $ 480.
Documentation: I used the BBB and Haynes Owners Workshop Manual. I also read Chilton’s “Engine repair and rebuilding” guide beforehand to gain some confidence. It could be done with the Haynes book only.
The most difficult work: Reconnecting the hysterical amount of tubes and cables. They cannot be marked good enough! I have all the options like AC and Cruise Control so there is a lot of plumming.
The most exiting work: The fitting of the timing chain on the camshaft sprocket. The sprocket index didn’t match exactly when the chain was installed – so I wasn’t 100% sure that I had selected the correct position. Same with the refitting of the fuel injection pump. A little hard to see if the alignment marks are positioned correctly before installment. But it was!
The most boring work: Cleaning, cleaning and cleaning. I used a rotating nylon brush on the engine exterior, and a wire brush on the parts. I found very good use of the Dremel micro tool for the really small brushes for those hard to reach corners like the combustion chambers and inside the manifoil.
The most fun part: Going out in my garage, put on some music and start fiddeling with the car – it’s the best recreation. And finally after months of work when I started up for the first time and it run like a big cat.
Per Gunnar Birkeland
Norway
69 280sl US, aut 834 Moss Green
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