1972 Mercedes Benz 280SE 4.5 Oil & Filter Change, Differential Oil Check, Chassis Lubrication

On 9/9/2022, a simple oil and filter change, chassis lubrication, and differential oil check turned into fixing non-functioning grease zerk fittings. Two of the 14 zerk fittings for greasing the front steering and suspension systems would not accept grease due to being plugged with hard, caked grease. This is a result of deferred and/or sloppy maintenance by previous owner(s).

[@stoicj6727]

Thanks Ken. I wish I had a shop like yours. Just bought a '72 SEL. Looking forward to cruising around town.

[@kensshowtell]

You're welcome! And thank you for watching and your lovely comment. Is your SEL a 4.5? I like the SEL sedans as they have at least 4-inches more legroom for the rear passengers.

[@stoicj6727]

@@kensshowtell Yes. It's a 4.5. Gotta get that oil changed before we drive it too much.

[@kensshowtell]

@@stoicj6727 May I suggest using 15w40 with high zinc content. Rotella T4 is a good and economic choice. It's an oil long formulated for diesel engines that need similar additives as old-style gasoline engines. As a precaution check condition of the overhead valve oilers, timing chains, tensioners & guides. Valve adjustment when the engine is cold is a good thing too.

[@alexanderrowe2897]

Great video again Ken of you Servicing one of your Classic Mercedes-Benz W108 and will they be a future Video of you Servicing the Mercedes-Benz W111 Heckfosse Keep up with the hard Work Ken 👍

[@kensshowtell]

Yes, I will. I appreciate that you are watching and your wonderful comments. Again, thank you.

[@jameslully6764]

Great job Ken nicely done. Would you please expand that why do you choice Rotella T4 diesel engine oil instead of any other oil for gas engine? Thanks, I also own a W108.

[@kensshowtell]

Thank you for watching and commenting. You are correct in that Rotella T4 is a diesel engine oil. I also use Rotella T5 synthetic blend diesel engine oil. They have high zinc content and other protectants not found in modern oils. I also use other brands that have high zinc content such as Moli Lube high zinc, Castrol high zinc, and Hemmings high zinc oil. I generally use either 20w40 or 20w50.

[@jameslully6764]

Thank you Ken, it is very educational to watch your maintenance video, especially the 14 lube pointes under the front end.

[@kensshowtell]

@@jameslully6764 My pleasure. Most shops will miss them. That is what happened to my car under previous owners. Best to do it ourselves.