Pushing on the hydraulic valve tappets is NOT good enough to see if they have failed. I had the majority of my valve lifters fail in my OM603 and I couldn't move them. I had to pull the camshaft and THEN pull out the tappets. Once the tappets are removed I inspected the underside of the lifters. The elements under them are supposed to stick out (it's like a metal nob), however it was collapsed. You can rebuild the tappets by pulling out the elements inside the collapsed tappets. They'll be stuck in there good. I almost gave up on the job. In a burst of rage and frustration and cursing I was finally able to pull the tappet compenents out. Each one you take out you must mark and put them back where they were because each lifter has a unique wear pattern. Thus, mixing up the lifters will prematurely wear out the camshaft. Take out the lifters one at a time and give them a nice bath in mineral spirits then take them out and QUICKLY drop them in some oil so they don't rust. Then you may reassemble the lifters and reinstall them. BE CAREFUL PULLING AND INSTALLING THE CAMSHAFT. There is an extremely specific torque sequence you must follow that is within the factory service manual, if you don't follow it, you will shatter your camshaft.
I looked online and found that the factory service manual removal sequence was to (after aligning the crankshaft & cam timing marks): a. Remove cam caps 1,5,6 first. b. Remove cam caps 2,3,4 and 7 next-one turn (or less) per bolt on each cap. It said that the installation was the reverse of removal (so evenly tightening 2,3,4 and 7 by one-turn increments and then installing 1,5, and 6). I was wondering if you remember doing it this way because I am going to attempt to do this job tomorrow with brand new tappets and I really don't want to accidentally break the cam in the process.
Great video. Did you have a video of actually replacing the lifters? Would you also replace the valve steam seals while at it? I am looking for a good video instructions for replacing steam seals but i can't seem to be able to find them.
I wish pulling valve cover was that painless on mine but all injectors have to come out to do it.... Is there a coolant drain bolt on side of engine block for om603 like om648? Heater core apparently holds a fair amount but that drain bolt gets it out I think.
Do you have any videos to see how to remove the HVAC Resistor under the blower motor on a w124 car.. I have the wagon same year as the one you working on a 1987. OM603 I am having a hard time to get that little buger out LOL it is hard..
Pushing on the hydraulic valve tappets is NOT good enough to see if they have failed. I had the majority of my valve lifters fail in my OM603 and I couldn't move them. I had to pull the camshaft and THEN pull out the tappets. Once the tappets are removed I inspected the underside of the lifters. The elements under them are supposed to stick out (it's like a metal nob), however it was collapsed.
You can rebuild the tappets by pulling out the elements inside the collapsed tappets. They'll be stuck in there good. I almost gave up on the job. In a burst of rage and frustration and cursing I was finally able to pull the tappet compenents out. Each one you take out you must mark and put them back where they were because each lifter has a unique wear pattern. Thus, mixing up the lifters will prematurely wear out the camshaft. Take out the lifters one at a time and give them a nice bath in mineral spirits then take them out and QUICKLY drop them in some oil so they don't rust. Then you may reassemble the lifters and reinstall them. BE CAREFUL PULLING AND INSTALLING THE CAMSHAFT. There is an extremely specific torque sequence you must follow that is within the factory service manual, if you don't follow it, you will shatter your camshaft.
I looked online and found that the factory service manual removal sequence was to (after aligning the crankshaft & cam timing marks):
a. Remove cam caps 1,5,6 first.
b. Remove cam caps 2,3,4 and 7 next-one turn (or less) per bolt on each cap.
It said that the installation was the reverse of removal (so evenly tightening 2,3,4 and 7 by one-turn increments and then installing 1,5, and 6). I was wondering if you remember doing it this way because I am going to attempt to do this job tomorrow with brand new tappets and I really don't want to accidentally break the cam in the process.
Great video. Did you have a video of actually replacing the lifters? Would you also replace the valve steam seals while at it? I am looking for a good video instructions for replacing steam seals but i can't seem to be able to find them.
Very nice video.
Thanks for the video! Im going to do this
Good stuff, can You do a video on the Transmission on this car,I have the same car ,just a different color.
Thanx 👍🏻
I wish pulling valve cover was that painless on mine but all injectors have to come out to do it.... Is there a coolant drain bolt on side of engine block for om603 like om648? Heater core apparently holds a fair amount but that drain bolt gets it out I think.
Do you have any videos to see how to remove the HVAC Resistor under the blower motor on a w124 car.. I have the wagon same year as the one you working on a 1987. OM603 I am having a hard time to get that little buger out LOL it is hard..
Hi where can I find the video for adjusting the excessive clearance for the hydraulic valve tappets.????
Thanks
There is no adjustment for hydraulic valves. Only solid shim valves are adjusted