Mercedes-Benz Engine Group
There is a new gang in town – the Mercedes-Benz Engine Group, which meets in the Greater Washington area. The Engine Group is comprised of MBCA club members interested in understanding how the Mercedes-Benz engine is assembled and how it functions. The initial group meeting was held on October 4 in Silver Spring, Maryland. And, they didn’t waste any time getting their hands dirty.
During the first meeting, the group completely disassembled an M117 engine: a 5.6 liter, V-8. This engine was used from 1969 through 1991 in the SE, SEL, SEC, SLC and the SL Mercedes-Benz models. Versions of the engine included the 450, 500 and the 560.
Fortunately for the group – but not the owner at the time – the engine failed due to an un-detected coolant leak; the owner left the car running overnight. Needless to say, don’t try that at home.
In about four hours the group removed all the engine parts down to the crankshaft. No attempt was made to reassemble the engine given the purpose of the event was to learn more about the engine and not a repair attempt (the engine was too far gone).
The group welcomes all MBCA members – no experience necessary. For more information, contact Gordon Smith at smithgd@md.metcom.net or call (301)475-2879. Additional information and pictures are available in the December 2008 issue of the Metro Tristar (Greater Washington Section Newsletter).
Photo by Bill Hopper, GWS
