Worst R and R job ever.
 

Removing and replacing the starter on a 1987 Mercedes 560SEC is the worst job EVER. It is literally an impossible job. Literally. You may think that because I did it, that is proof it is not impossible. False. It is impossible.

Two T55 bolts. The bottom one is tough to get to and the top is impossible. And, to make matters worse, apparently MBZ was out of anti-sieze, loctite red or loctite blue on the date my car went down the assembly line so they used loctite two-part epoxy.

To get the bottom bolt out, I eventually heated the nut and then used an impact wrench, a universal, and a 24" extension.

To get the top bolt out, I tried repeatedly with various combinations of extensions and universals and ratchets and the impact wrench - turned up to 11 and far exceeding the PSI limit. Finally, I dropped the exhaust so I could get a ratchet with a two inch extension and no universal on it and used a cheater pipe to break it loose.

I apologize to Z-man for cursing his name because of his association with a manufacturer that uses epoxy on its fasteners.

I would have given the car away on Sunday and was hoping that someone would stop by and ask.

This was a three day job.

pictures or it didnt happen

It's really a shame that those who design and build 'em don't have to take 'em apart from time to time...

I miss the old Chrysler 360. So easy to work on...comparatively.

Especially when it's in a 4X4 pickemup...no jackstands needed in order to crawl under. ;)

I should have taken pictures, but was too . . chapped. And I am certain that MBZ built the car around the starter. Heck, even after it was unbolted, it was almost impossible to remove it through the steering and suspension crap.

You really need to avoid buying an auto AWD twin turbo Audi. ;):D I never laid eyes on either of the turbo chargers or the power steering rack..... pretty sure they are in there, but even with a lift I was never able to put an eyeball on them.

Yes, but for the rest of your life if you ever get into a situation that really winds you up, you can say to yourself "Well, it's not as bad as changing the starter in the Merc'." Sort of like an instant meditation.

I hear you....try the compressor on a late 90's E320 without removing the radiator/front end. Not impossible but not fun.

Does that happen to be a '87 model?

If it is will it make it to Texas under it's own power?

Define "under its own power."

Well, would I end up pushing it farther that it carried me?

But think about all the money you saved and the gratification. I would take working on a 560SEC over many cars.
Yasin

It is satisfying to have it done, although the exhaust is still down while I am waiting for an 02 sensor to come in. But, I am in the middle of a Bug resto that I planned on spending the long weekend on - so that was a bit frustrating. Oh well.

absolutely - they want you to just buy another car



now, how about getting back in there and taking some pics for us???

Try to get the starter out of a full size Crown Victoria. 4 - 3/8" drive extensions with a wobble socket.

Some Mercedes Forums I've visited, when doing the starter they recommend changing out the provenance. Kind of a "while you're in there" type of deal...

You should see where they stuck them on the V8 Cayenne.

Great idea...
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...Webpics076.jpg

Dear Gawd! WHY?????

Starter in valley of sooooo many cars.

OK so seriously did you keep the starter in a box label "provenancing items?"

Went to a barbecue once and heard the host complain it had just taken five hours to R&R a starter in a Mercedes. He said they finally had to get a small girl, with small hands, to help because of the clearance problems. My friend, who was familiar with those cars, said "Didn't you just pull up the carpet and find the removable access panel?"

Oops.

wasn't the Lexus LS400 one of the first cars to have the starter under the intake? I remember back in college while working at a parts store a guy was trying to change the starter in one, and was *****ing about how crazy it was that Lexus/Toyota put the starter there.

Yep. inside the block valley. What a pain in the ass.