I was tearing into the 6 to get more info for the races and the October suprise that I have been talking about. In removing the valve cover TOP ASSEMBLY I broke off a screw to my suprise without even trying. I then got a posting from another forum member asking for advice because HE JUST BROKE A SIMILAR SCREW OFF......

The valve covers are held on with studs and 2 or 3 SMALL ALUMINUM SCREWS. The sealant on the threads was snugg enough to hold the threads and cause it to break off.

Caution, they are fragile and Id suggest that they be hot or heated to loosen them up before removal. THEN throw them away and add in new steel metric screws. I did not do that I just retapped them to accept stainless 10-32 fine thread allen head cap screws.

The valve cover tops do not have gaskets, a sealant like RTV silicone is used, FYI.

I have a bunch of photos of the insides, which is what I was after in the first place. ENJOY.

Woody All photos in the WALDIG album too.

 

Interesting that they would put something so fragile. Do MB mechanics have a trick to removing them?

P.S. I have been looking for him.

 

I see something pretty interesting there. You have a zip tie in each one of the holes for the PCV system and two of them look to be tiny. Those passages do not do the hoses they connect to justice. I would think that opening those up might assist in pressure relief from the crankcase.

 

Mine broke and I replaced the other one with a good screw from Lowes.

Another member checked with a mercedes mechanic and he said that is a common problem.