valve cover bolts torque

10Mn or 7 ft.lbs I just go hand snug

Thank you very much Doc.
You are absolutely right.When I took the valve cover off I tought the bolts were losen up.
i'd ask you something else. The paint is cracked on several spots and I saw that there is a layer of graphite under the paint. I was considering to clean it up and repaint the whole thing. That layer of graphite was there there for a good reason. Thermal coat I assume. If I clean it up and repaint with HITemp paint I'm afraid that the cover might worp without graphite coat. What do you advice me.
Thx
Peter

MB does baked enamale coating. so a primer and HI Temp will be good

Hi Doc

I just examined the inside surface and I saw spots where the paint was gone. Most likely that fine graphite got into the oil which wouldn't be the end of the world. However, the idea that some small piecies of paint might get under the crankshaft bearings scares the **** out of me to be perfectly honest. This engine at 154K is running smooth like new. I will sandblast the whole valvecover inside out and then paint it according to your instructions. I don't think that I can find graphite enamale on the market and even if I could I don't have the technology available at home in order to bake it properly.
Thanks alot Doc, I really do appreciate your advices.
Peter

Check on line for power coating kits it bakes on in an oven so no chance of flaking off

Thank you Doc
I will do that.

Hi Doc

I wanted to replace the cabin airfilters. All 8 screws are out, the lamp is out and disconnected and the latch screw out. However, the gloves box just doesn't want to come out. I seems hooked at the top. This is 1997 E320 6cyl. line 3.2L rear wheel drive.

see diagrams

Thank you Doc. I did everything according to your first diagram and as I said first time it didn't come out. It is like something on top is holding it. I can't figure out the second diagram tho. Is that about the filter catridges after the gloves box is removed ?

Is lamp socket out? yes second diagram for filters after glove box removed.

Yes the lamp sucket is out.Moreover, the plastic screws under the screws 8 and 9 are out also. There is still something that holds the box at the top. It should come out nicely applying common sense pulling force. I really dont wanna break something inside. I even tried all the way around from the engine compartment but there is the flap there which wouldn't let me extract the filters out.
In any case I really do appreciate you help.
Thank you Doc.

Take out sound insulator under box maybe you can get to back of box

OK I'll do that. By the way... here is the valve cover before and after. I did everything according to your instructions and the results made me very happy. I must confess that I'm not a painter and no skills before this job.
Thanx alot Doc

And before...

Sorry It didn't come thru both pictures to make the difference

Covers look GREAT nice job need to get a glass hood to show off

I'll cut off the hood and install a window... wink
compared to how it was looking before i'm very happy.

Hi Doc

I'm more than disappointed with that ****ty gloves box. It simply refuses to come out. Could be a clip somewhere in the back ?
The bottom is coming out but the top holds back. I really don't know what's wrong with it. I took out even the ornament that is right above the gloves box but then I realized that it has nothing to do with it. Should I use a bigger hammer - wink

Try sliding a thin putty knife along top see if you hit something if not try and pry down on top of box

Hi Doc.

It will take a HARD JERK to remove it. There are slots on the top edge of the glovebox and tabs on the dash holding it all together.
I'll try your way tomorrow morning. Today I'm done with it. Mercedes used to be a totally different concept 25 yrs ago. Now we pay for the brand. I saw lots of cheap **** there - plastic and plastic and plastic all over. 5ive cents design...

Have a great weekend Doc and thanks alot.

So how did it go?

Hi Doc

The glove box finally came out ( your way ) and I replaced the filters. It is a huge difference indeed with brand new cabin filters. I'm thinking to replace the charcoal filters as well.

In my entire life I didn't get a worse insult than yesterday when my wife recommended me to buy Hyundai. I'll live with it...

A Hyundai is a car a Benz is an Automobile
Glad to hear your sucsess

Mercedes is still excellent on mechanical - materials, design&fabrication. Engine, transmission, power train, suspension, body. However, when it comes to service only the best mechanics can handle the job. Without scanners to troubleshot the electrical, electronics and software forget it. A simple job like I just did turned around to be a pain in the neck. Plastic stuff...
Therefore the best mechanics are overworked and underpaid and they'll quit sooner or later. I do maintenance on my car because I realized that up to some extent I could do better job than the dealer. My first Mercedes was a 1978 E300 Diesel 5 cyl.
Whatta wonderful car ! Sorry I meant Automobile...

Thanks for support Doc

Visit again MB is a challange

Hi Doc

I decided to buy a scanner for Mercedes only. I need your opinion before wasting money on trash. I saw online C3 and C4 with Das&Wis.
Which one would you recommend...?
Thank you

could you provide web site?

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs/323896130-MB-star-Compact4-diagnostic-C4-for-mercedes-benz-scanner-wholesalers.html

Hi Doc

My AC is gone. When I fill up with freon is building up pressure like crazy. I discharged the system and tried again. Same high pressure on the gauge( over 100psi). I suspect the compressor is damaged. No leak tho.
PS
I gave you the webside for MB Scanner.

If low and high read same Comp running then comp faulty

I don't know where is the high side port.
Thank you Doc

For AC go get a diagnosis tehn post and will see about repair. as for scanner what I saw was good but they are for 2000 + MB