Valve Cover Gasket 1994 Mercedes C280 W202 M104

Gasket was probably original to the vehicle. Oil was leaking around bolts and where the cover and head meet. While changing the gasket I also decided to replace the spark plugs (separate video). There I also noticed oil leaking around the spark plug seals. My valve cover could have used a repainting or better yet a powder coating. But, I didn't have the time or resources to get it done. I received an estimate of $400 to perform the repair. Parts cost me $75. I bought a few tools and did the work myself. Tools will last forever and used on other repairs making a positive ROI on the tool investment.

[@anthonyayz]

Very clear and good video except for some reason removing plugs process is not there. The plugs vanish between taking cover out and start takeing valve out

[@fixittony]

Yeah, sorry. I wanted to create another video on the ignition coils and spark plugs…around the 20 minute mark is spark plugs. Here is link to video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIrPmHyqjshoaJY

[@LuizFernandoCavalli-du7mu]

Very nice From Curitiba, Brasil

[@XSAILOR65]

Nice video! Is there any trick how to move the plastic cover over the timing chain area safely? Plastic get brittle over time, and the clips looks a bit delicate?

[@fixittony]

Just be careful at the tabs. If dry and brittle it will break. Can try a hair dryer or heat gun to warm tabs but you run the risk of damaging surrounding stuff. Be careful

[@XSAILOR65]

@@fixittony OK Thanks. I have one of those oil leaks....will start with checking the timing chain cover leak, but afraid it will be the head gasket in the end......some wet spot also aft of intake manifolds, don't understand what leak that can be , but will check that also carefully. Its not consuming oil, its only a drop now an then, but they gave a remark during MOT inspection, it passed though:)

[@mbenz9389]

Hello, thank you for the video. what’s the part number for that two shims?

[@fixittony]

@@mbenz9389 not sure I know what you mean?

[@mbenz9389]

@@fixittony got the part number 1040160980. I’ll do that work next month. Stressed a little bit.

[@Shedlight420]

Thank you for sharing.

[@chadtacular]

Just found this video, thanks for documenting so thoroughly! I actually started this process myself the other day on my 94 E320 Wagon and this already helped (first day was removing spark plugs, cleaning oil/dirt from the wells and waiting on parts to arrive. Question - are you going to use the coil/spark plug cover with the damage? Mine was in really bad shape; 1 of the fins looked like it exploded and was completely broken off and 2 others were split. I got lucky and found a replacement but was curious if you could still use it with the damage? Thanks again! Edit: just saw your "Spark Plugs and Wires and Ignition Coils" video and see where you mentioned in the description about the cover.

[@fixittony]

Chadtacular , thank you for the note. Sorry for my delay in responding. I did buy a new cover, but I didn’t use it after I tried to put it on I was worried it was sitting too high and would cause my air intake tube crossover from creating a good deal on the two holes in the valve cover. I did buy longer bolts and that helped secure the spark plug cover. I do have a couple bolt holes that are stripped. I didn’t feel like trying to retap them. I decided to leave that sleeping lion lay.

[@MiaFeustel]

Would the newer style of cover fit on this motor im trying to find out if it will work

[@fixittony]

I don’t know. Sorry. Check the return policy of the store you get the cover from and see whether you can rerun if it doesn’t fit.

[@ShellsandBait]

My clamp on the air cleaner cover to the air intake hose comes off just like yours. Some of the screw's were striped to start with. Ended up changing all the metric to SAE. The rubber seal's on the bolt guides were wore out. Could not find any replacement for them so used some cut fuel line, that did not work. Tried some rubber grommet's,still had leaks (worse then when I started). Ended up grinding the bolt guides down a 1/4" and that worked. Where did you get the rubber rings for the bolt guides?

[@fixittony]

Thank you for commenting and asking a question. My valve cover gasket set and replacement grommets we bought from FCPEuro.com and my alternate parts supplier is PelicanParts.com. I ended up buying new metric socket cap bolts for the spark plug cover from boltdepot.com. I was able to reuse my hose clamps. I hope this helps!

[@ShellsandBait]

@@fixittony Thank you for the reply. Been getting my parts from Rockauto or Partsgeek

[@Shedlight420]

Just one question--how did you install the half moon seals in the back? I would appreciate your feedback.

[@fixittony]

Sure thing. Sorry I missed that detail in the video. I placed those seals into their rounded slots before placing the cover on. Need to be sure (go by feel alone) that the half-moon seals are seated and when placing the cover place cover straight down without any or very little pushing or sliding motion. It is possible to dislodge the seals unintentionally when placing the cover back. Remember to clean the surfaces back there, too. Also rotate so the top is as level as possible. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching.

[@shedlylengliz2918]

@@fixittony Thank you. Will do.