Mercedes 280SL Oil Consumption

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Wed 26 May 2004 13:55
Mercedes 280SL Oil Consumption - veloman
My friends 280SL has started to use an excessive amount of oil.
The engine was re-built last year with a new block and bottom half by a Mercedes main dealer. To keep the cost down they used the original head with no overhaul. The car has only done 55k miles but is a 1984 model fitted with the 110 series DOHC motor.
Does this model have valve stem seals which need replacing and if so how often should they be done?
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Wed 26 May 2004 14:17
Mercedes 280SL Oil Consumption - Aprilia
Valve stem oil seals will generally last 100k, but 'time' does come into it. At this age the rubber will be hard and won't seal well. You would be advised to replace the seals.
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Wed 26 May 2004 19:18
Mercedes 280SL Oil Consumption - Peter D
I agree but does engine plume white smoke at start up and when opening the trottle after a down hill over-run??. Come back. Regards Peter
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Fri 28 May 2004 13:13
Mercedes 280SL Oil Consumption - MW
Valve stems do go hard over time. A pity the head was not 'decoked' at the time. New rubbers and gaskets plus a valve grin in, would have given you years of service. The parts cost £30.
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