Mercedes-Benz 350 SL, 450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SL, 450 SLC Repair Manual 1971-1980

• Mercedes-Benz 350SL Roadster
• Mercedes-Benz 450SE
• Mercedes-Benz 450SEL Sedan
• Mercedes-Benz 450SL
• Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Coupe
• Mercedes-Benz 450SLC Roadster

ENGINE BLOCK: CLEANING AND INSPECTION

1. Remove the soft plugs from the engine block. To do this, knock the plugs into the block (using a hammer and punch), then grasp them with a large pliers and pull them back through the hole.



2. Using a gasket scraper, remove all traces of gasket material from the engine block. Be very careful not to nick or gouge the gasket sealing surfaces.



3. Remove the main bearing caps and separate the bearing shells from the caps and the engine block. Tag the bearing shells according to which cylinder they were removed from (and whether they were in the cap or the block) and set them aside.



4. Using a wrench of the appropriate size, remove the threaded oil gallery plugs from the front and back of the block.



5. If the engine is extremely dirty, it should be taken to an automotive machine shop to be steam cleaned or hot tanked. Any bearings left in the block may be damaged by the cleaning process, so plan on replacing them.

SHOCK ABSORBERS: REMOVAL, TESTING AND INSTALLATION

REMOVAL

1. To remove the front shock absorbers, remove the front wheels and support the front end firmly on jackstands. Place additional jack-stands under the lower control arms.
   
   
2. Place an appropriate wrench over the shaft on the top of the shock absorber shaft to hold it still while you remove the two retaining nuts. Lift off the washer and the rubber bushing.
   
   On some models it may be necessary to remove the radiator expansion tank to gain access to the upper shock absorber mount (photo).



3. Disconnect the lower shock absorber mounting by unscrewing the nuts from the lower face of the lower suspension arm.



4. Compress the shock absorber and remove it (photo).



5. To remove the rear shock absorber, lift the rear seat bottom out of the vehicle and remove the nuts securing the seat backrest in position. Lift the backrest out of the vehicle.

• Tune-up and routine maintenance
• General engine overhaul procedures
• Cooling, heating and air-conditioning systems
• Fuel and exhaust systems
• Engine electrical systems
• Emissions control systems
• Transmission
• Driveline
• Brakes
• Suspension and steering systems
• Body
• Chassis electrical system
• Wiring diagrams