1972 Mercedes Benz 280SE 4.5 Valve Adjustment, With Complications

My newly acquired 1972 Mercedes Benz 280SE 4.5 needed a valve adjustment. No one really knew how long since the last one. I understand if this adjustment is neglected one consequence is that the jam nuts and adjuster nuts can get stuck and can't "unlock." This happened to my car. Therefore, the overhead cam oiling tube and rocker arms had to be removed in order to get serious leverage to turn the valve adjusting nut. I used a slightly modified valve spring compressor to remove the rocker arms. Rocker arm clips were removed and reinstalled as part of the valve adjustment process. I did get the valve adjuster nuts "unlocked" after finishing this video which was done on March 31, 2022. Now the engine runs much quieter. Do not neglect this routine maintenance and do it every 7 to 10,000 miles. That is a good time to also check the condition of cam oiler tubes and their holders along with timing chains, guides, and tensioner. It is also recommended to replace the valve cover gaskets and crush washers.

[@markphillips2072]

My grandfather bought one of those back in 72 was the car I learned to drive in he use to drive over the railroad tracks really fast and say look how smooth it goes over theses tracks. Didn't think it was the prettiest car back then but think there really cool now

[@kensshowtell]

Thank you for watching and commenting. They were way ahead of their time in many ways. Their suspension and fuel injection were just two areas. Their design has always been understated elegance that has withstood the test of time.

[@alaingillot4718]

On a good engine , you can adjust valves at 30.000 miles interval . On a worn engine more often , because the ball sockets are wearing more , so the valves become noisy . Also on some engines , the intake valves wear out on the seats , so after awhile the 3th clearance is no longer there , and the valves dont close all away . since the exhaust have a larger clearance , this is not that much of an issue , also the intake valves are softer .

[@kensshowtell]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Good information.

[@meetbhuller6324]

Cool video! Does this car have a single carburetor? Not a dual carburetor? Also, does it have a choke knob inside the car?

[@kensshowtell]

Thank you for watching and our questions. The "SE" designation means fuel injection. Therefore, this car is not carbureted. In addition, it is the second first 4-door sedan in the world with electronic fuel injection, Bosh D-Jetronic fuel injection. The first was the Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5. It does not have a choke; it has a cold start injector or valve as part of the Bosch D-Jetronic system.

[@PROFESSIONAL.C-W]

W108❤💛🖤

[@kensshowtell]

Nice, and thank you.

[@user-cx2xj1dd9m]

Hello, can you please tell me the specifications of the engine oil, thank you

[@kensshowtell]

Thank you for watching. I use Rotella T4 15w40.