Heads-up for owners with M113 V8 and M112 V6
Discussion
Inspired by a chap in another thread who's C63 unfortunately self-detonated, I thought I would share a tale of caution for anyone with an M112 or M113 engined Merc (so 18-valve V6s and 24-valve V8s that were commonplace from 1998 to 2008).
It's a well-documented fact that the RTV sealant between the magnesium breather covers and the aluminium rocker covers breaks down and begins to leak. So, I read a few "how-to" guides on how to resolve the issue and it is pretty straightforward if not a bit mind-numbing to remove all the old sealant.
Most of the guides I read advocate disconnecting the flexi hose to the fuel rail in order to remove the nearside cover. I'd say this is definitely wise, especially if you are going to be removing the rocker covers to replace the gaskets under those too.
However, I read a couple of guides that recommend running the engine until it is nice and warm as this may soften the RTV... DO NOT DO THIS. Fortunately I had skipped this step and was glad because the fuel rail holds a fair quantity of petrol, and it really wasn't possible to catch every drop before it fell onto the (thankfully cold) exhaust manifold.
So, in summary, do not attempt to remove the nearside rocker cover or breather cover on anything but a completely cold engine.
It's a well-documented fact that the RTV sealant between the magnesium breather covers and the aluminium rocker covers breaks down and begins to leak. So, I read a few "how-to" guides on how to resolve the issue and it is pretty straightforward if not a bit mind-numbing to remove all the old sealant.
Most of the guides I read advocate disconnecting the flexi hose to the fuel rail in order to remove the nearside cover. I'd say this is definitely wise, especially if you are going to be removing the rocker covers to replace the gaskets under those too.
However, I read a couple of guides that recommend running the engine until it is nice and warm as this may soften the RTV... DO NOT DO THIS. Fortunately I had skipped this step and was glad because the fuel rail holds a fair quantity of petrol, and it really wasn't possible to catch every drop before it fell onto the (thankfully cold) exhaust manifold.
So, in summary, do not attempt to remove the nearside rocker cover or breather cover on anything but a completely cold engine.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff