Camshaft replacement for 1970

[Pinder]

My 1970 280sl 4 speed manual no AC requires a cam replacement. The old cam has last in some places the hardend finish and some wear on one lobe. I also have oil leaks on 3 ball studs / cam follower studs leaking on to spark plugs. How do i seal those? Do i need to remove and thread seal? I figured id replace cap seal studs and valve adjustment in one go.

[Pinder]

Also where can i get a camshaft? And what option should i go for? The original or the Euro spec?

[Benz Dr.]

I use a bit of thread sealer on the ball studs and if they're not too worn you can re-use them.  Keep in mind that the late 280 engine uses a different camshaft and cam bearings. I think it has a 114 prefix.

I might have a used cam.

[CJHenderson]

There is a longshot that MBUSA.com might have one, I just ordered and received a new fuel damper for my 280SL from them.

[Pinder]

Dr Benz,

   Until I get a new cam to replace the old one, is it possible to back out the Ball Studs that are leaking enough to apply thread sealer then tighten them back down? does this need to be done with a hot engine or will it work cold?

 Also I dont mind using an old cam if you think it is in good shape. Please let me know what you would charge for it and if I should check any markings on the cam before I commit?

 Best Regards

 Pinder Sekhon, Edison NJ

[Benz Dr.]

Dr Benz,

   Until I get a new cam to replace the old one, is it possible to back out the Ball Studs that are leaking enough to apply thread sealer then tighten them back down? does this need to be done with a hot engine or will it work cold?

 Also I dont mind using an old cam if you think it is in good shape. Please let me know what you would charge for it and if I should check any markings on the cam before I commit?

 Best Regards

 Pinder Sekhon, Edison NJ

You should be able to remove each ball stud, put a bit of thread sealer on them, and then install. You need to know the code number on the back end face of the camshaft. Should be something like 05 or similar.  Look for that and once that's established I'll contact you by PM.

[MikeSimon]

My experience with the ball studs:
Once you completely remove them, they will no longer hold the required torque. The offset threads will cut through the threads in the large seats and the ball studs will stay loose.

[Benz Dr.]

My experience with the ball studs:
Once you completely remove them, they will no longer hold the required torque. The offset threads will cut through the threads in the large seats and the ball studs will stay loose.

I've seen that too. If they don't hold well replace the whole unit with new ones or used ones that do. Not all of them will be bad but if the ball on the end of the stud is worn you might as well get a new one.

[Berggreen]

Should be something like 05 or similar.

Yes a 1970 US spec 280SL would have an 05 cam.

Mercedes still produce the contemporary Euro spec 02 cam, which should be exchangeable with the 05 cam, as they both use the same camshaft bearings.

I just did a study on this recently, as I may also replace the 05 cam in my 1970 US spec 280SL (manual). But I want the more aggressive Euro spec 02 cam instead of the 05, which was chosen for the US spec 280SL due to emission control legislation in the US.

You can get a complete kit with a new 02 cam and new cam bearings for around 1000 USD from Mercedes. I can find the part numbers, if you need them. Both carries 114 part numbers.

Cheers,

Christian

[Pinder]

I havent taken the Cam out yet but I did seal the leaing ball studs. 3 of them were leaking. I did a tappet adjustment. It sounds so much better. Its been raining hear in NJ last two days so I will take it for a test drive. I took a good look at the cam and actually it seems pretty good shape. For some reason I thought it was worn but I guess not. It already sounds so much better but will only know once I drive it for about 30 mins and the oil thins out.