Do you dent those bent wrenches to do an valve job? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Outofworkjoe · #1 07-17-2009, 09:01 AM

Looking to do Valve adjustments,soon never done it,do I really need those 14mm bent wrenches to do the job?

RML · #2 07-17-2009, 09:12 AM

I have only done it with the bent wrenches and did not try it without. I think there are valves where you would really be fumbling around without them.

When I do a job myself and it takes a special tool, I will justify purchasing the tool by the money I am saving by doing the work myself. And I am always way ahead $$wise and feel I have done a more thorough job.

You will be using the wrenches again and again if you plan on holding on to your car.

tobybul · #3 07-17-2009, 09:21 AM

The first time I did it I was not even aware that bent wrenches were available and was able to do it just fine.

Out of curiousity, I made the bent wrenches. Turning the nuts was a bit easier as you could get around a few things that are in the way when turning the wrench.

I used long 14mm box wrenches (AZ or Sears). Clamped it on a vise, heated the spot where I bent it with propane torch, and bent it with vise grip. It slso helps if the opened end is ground down a bit so it has a slimmer profile. This way it does not interfere with the lower nut.

As always, practice safety when doing work (keep combustibles away, eye proctection, gloves, etc)

Found the old thread with pic...

Making Valve Adjustment Wrenches

tbomachines · #4 07-17-2009, 09:28 AM

Yes you do need them bent, otherwise there is almost no way to get the leverage you need. There is no clearance for straight handled wrenches on some of the valves. It took about 5 minutes with a propane torch and a bucket of water. I used Craftsman polished long-handle wrenches (these were JUST slim enough for the bottom nut where you don't have to grind it down). Making them nested is even more of a help.

MTUpower · #5 07-17-2009, 09:45 AM

I did several valve adj jobs with standard wrenches without issues. It's easier with a home-made bent set that is also ground down, and the most simple with special wrenches made for the job.

MattBelliveau · #6 07-17-2009, 11:00 AM

If you need a set, let me know. I'm looking to sell a pair off.

Diesel911 · #7 07-17-2009, 11:01 AM

If you use regular Wrenches it will be easier if you remove the Hared Fuel Injection Lines for the IP and Injectors. But, this also meanys you have to go bleed the air out or them before starting.
I held off doing my Valve adjustment until I bought a set of Hazet bent wrenches.While I found the 3rd Wrench that holds the Valve Spring Retainer clumsy to use I did use it twice (you do not need it there is other ways to keep the Valve Spring Retainer ).
I figured that If I had the special tools I would be more likely to actuall have to gumpsion to do the job when the time came and not keep putting it off.

280EZRider · #8 07-17-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Yes you do need them bent, otherwise there is almost no way to get the leverage you need. There is no clearance for straight handled wrenches on some of the valves. It took about 5 minutes with a propane torch and a bucket of water. I used Craftsman polished long-handle wrenches (these were JUST slim enough for the bottom nut where you don't have to grind it down). Making them nested is even more of a help.

After heating them, use oil to temper them - not water. The temper will be stronger. You can use a bucket of used motor oil from a previous oil change.

SD Blue · #9 07-17-2009, 12:01 PM

I've done at least 6 valve adjustments on mine and have never used the bent wrenches. Also, the injector lines have never been touched. It may be a case of whether you have problems breaking some of the adjusting nuts loose or not. I can see where the bent wrenches would make it easier but, in my personal experience, haven't found them to be a necessity.