plastic caps for intake/exhaust holes

[waqas]

I plan to remove my 230sl engine and replace all the seals (it needs to be out for engine bay repaint, etc). While it's out, I'd like to make sure all intake and exhaust holes on the head are well sealed (don't want to just use oily rags).

I've seen pictures of rebuilt engines with plastic caps inserted into these holes. Does anyone know where to get these caps?

Waqas in Austin, Texas

[bpossel]

Hello Waqas,

I am still 1-2 months away from installing my rebuilt engine. I will be happy to give you my caps if you need them at this later date.
Bob  

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[waqas]

Sounds good, thanks Bob!  

[merrill]

Waqas,
you can have mine....

later

[waqas]

Thanks Matt!  I'll send you a PM...

[mdsalemi]

Waqas,

I am so happy that Matt Merrill has come through for you on the caps.  You know, Bob's wouldn't work for you.  They are 280SL caps, and thus have suffered from an overall cheapening as we all know happened as the model progressed from 230 to 250 to 280SL.  They are dull, not shiny.  The 230SL caps are thus much more in demand amongst those who really appreciate the beauty of the W113 design.  And, don't go looking for them at the Classic Center either...they stopped making the nice shiny old ones and only went with DOT-approved newer style.  Matte finish, cheap look to them--not at all what the original designers intended...  LOL!

Actually if you need a set just call an engine rebuilder, I'm sure they'll accomodate you if Matt or Bob doesn't work out.

[waqas]

Michael, touche!    

Thanks, the laugh was welcome after last night when central Austin got hit by 70mph winds and tennis-ball sized hail which knocked my power out a gorgeous tree down in my backyard (along with untold numbers around the area).

[mdsalemi]

Waqas,

Glad you can appreciate the irreverent [attempt at] humor.

Anyway in FURTHER answer to your question, the product you are looking for is a tapered plug; nearly all the valves I buy for my carwash come with these installed to keep junk out during shipping etc. which is exactly your application.  Here's one supplier if you don't get those leftovers from Matt:  U.S. Plastics.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=usplastic&category%5Fname=21335&product%5Fid=2323

One other nice thing they also sell are dispensing bottles; perfect for storing that distilled water you are supposed to use for batteries (well, the old-style ones that still take water that is!); it allows you to get the water in the battery cell-hole w/o a funnel or any spilling.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=usplastic&category%5Fname=15031&product%5Fid=14767

In addition to U.S. Plastics, there are other firms out there such as Consolidated Plastics and many others.  Often times the biggest impediment to finding what you really need is just knowing what the industry actually calls it!

[waqas]

I can imagine slightly warping the circular-shaped caps to fit the intake holes on the head, but does anyone know where I can get rectangular-shaped caps for the exhaust holes on the head?

Am I being too paranoid?  (my engine's going to sit in a garage for a couple months whilst the car gets some new paint)