Author Topic: Valve Keepers 280SL  (Read 7198 times)

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #25 on: September 05, 2018, 20:38:44 »
I am limping along! I found a number of new rocker arms and quite a few used ball studs which probably help me to pick the best ones to use. Would prefer new stuff, though. Anybody who can come up with a source for the correct rocker arms and ball studs....??
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #26 on: September 05, 2018, 23:36:58 »
So, I guess this thread addressed the issue two years ago. Assume it has not gotten any better....?

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=24231.0
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

Tyler S

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Encinitas
  • Posts: 1613
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #27 on: September 06, 2018, 00:14:33 »
The MB-Classics price of 35 euros ($40) for the repros is about the cheapest price out there. All of the smaller obscure vendors seem to have dried up on stock. Even one of my old go-to’s
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #28 on: September 15, 2018, 20:32:27 »
Here I am again with an amateur question - I hope you guys don't think of me as a nuisance...

I was able to source quite a few ball studs from a local dismantler which are supposed to be used but show very little, almost no, wear. I plan to replace my worn ones and pair the studs with new rocker arms, which are still available in numbers.

Reading here about the problems with aluminum threads coming out of the head when the whole units are taken out, I had planned to just take the upper ball stud out and leave the lower part sit. Now, it takes quite some effort (torque) to unscrew the ball stud, but putting the replacement one back in is fairly easy. Before I screw up with the otheres, does something happen to the thread inside the ball stud when you take them apart?
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

mbzse

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Sweden, Stockholm, Stockholm
  • Posts: 1748
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #29 on: September 15, 2018, 21:29:05 »
Quote from: MikeSimon
.../...it takes quite some effort (torque) to unscrew the ball stud, but putting the replacement one back in is fairly easy.../...
You want the high torque to be there...  this is so that the ball stud does not twist on its own when your engine runs, and ruins your valve gap setting.
Two methods (others are up to your ingenuity...) is either to press lower part of stud in a vice, so that it becomes slightly oval. Another is to "alter" the lower threads on the stud, so that they turn with enough resistance in the base part
/Hans S

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #30 on: September 15, 2018, 22:27:58 »
Does this mean, that when I took the upper out, the threads got loose? I do not want to take the lower out for reasons mentioned. I am afraid that if I "alter" the threads of the upper part, I may do some irreversible damage to the unit. Has someone worked with, maybe, a Teflon wrapping on the threads to make them tighter?
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

Tyler S

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Encinitas
  • Posts: 1613
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #31 on: September 15, 2018, 22:52:59 »
Try re-installing one of your old studs. If it is again tight then most likely the second hand units thread is worn. i wouldnt use teflon tape because you will need to adjust the valves and that tape is kind of a one time use thing.
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #32 on: September 15, 2018, 23:39:37 »
What is the purpose of the two (upper and lower) thread segments on the ball studs?
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

Tyler S

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Encinitas
  • Posts: 1613
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #33 on: September 16, 2018, 00:16:05 »
The threads are cut slightly different (offset) between the upper and lower parts. This gives the interference fit needed to keep the upper stud tight and not back off/change your adjustment.
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

MikeSimon

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, North Royalton
  • Posts: 2476
Re: Valve Keepers 280SL
« Reply #34 on: September 27, 2018, 13:38:36 »
The MB-Classics price of 35 euros ($40) for the repros is about the cheapest price out there. All of the smaller obscure vendors seem to have dried up on stock. Even one of my old go-to’s

MB Classics indeed came through! The price for a complete unit upon checkout was only 30 Euros/piece. Even with the expensive shipping via DHL from Germany, this is a great deal compared to some prices quoted elsewhere.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner