Benz Question

My friends got an old Mercedes 240D, 4 cyl deiesel and4 spd trans. Problem is, he needs to check the trans fluid level, but doesn't have, or know the size of the aleen socket needed to unscrew the plug. Anyone know the correct size?

When this kind of thing happens I look at it, grab about a half dozen that look like they'd be close to the right size, and get under the car to find out myself.

If no allen keys are available grab a handful of bolts and stick the heads in the hole until you find the right size. Bring that bolt to the hardware store and buy the right tool using that for a guide.

Or use vise grips on said bolt.

14mm

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=264197

Special tool

Autozone used to have a $10 set of three allen sockets that included a 14mm.

Should be the same as a VW 020, cool set up with the 4spd!

mcp001 wrote: 14mm http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=264197 Special tool Autozone used to have a $10 set of three allen sockets that included a 14mm.

Sometimes that special tool is needed due to limited access and a typical socket and racket won't fit... the rear diff fill plug on an E36 comes to mind... I tried the nut-bolt-wrench idea there... just couldn't seem to get enough bite and didn't want to risk stripping the plug.

No personaly experience with the Benz tho...

14mm.

In reply to Ian_F:

On my wife's E36 M3 diff I use a 14mm allen socket with a removable bit from HF. Pop out the bit, and use a 14mm closed end on it to crack it, and then spin out the bolt. Piece of cake, and no special tool needed. Also, VW 020s are 19mm.

Don't own a BMW or a Benz but those crazy Germans sure do make things difficult.

In reply to Flogger00:

Good to know if I'm ever saddled with that task again. For better or worse, the M3 is long gone...

Feedy: There are times when it sure seems that way...

Hazet makes a 3/8 drive 14mm socket just for the diff and gearbox. Got one in my tool box as we speak.

Please, whatever you do...

Do NOT put gear oil in that trans. ATF Type F ONLY ONLY ONLY

You WILL regret any other choice.

Thanks guys, will inform him, and try to find something to work. Hadn't even considered the bolt-head matching!

Thanks for the tips!

Funny, unrelated but this is the same tool I need to remove the last allen bolt holding my AC compressor on. I was wondering how to get that bolt off without removing the radiator, learn something every day. Beats trying to use a cut down allen wrench on a socket.

Old mercedes were built with maintenance in mind so even if you need a special tool the job will still be easy.

benzbaron wrote: Funny, unrelated but this is the same tool I need to remove the last allen bolt holding my AC compressor on. I was wondering how to get that bolt off without removing the radiator, learn something every day. Beats trying to use a cut down allen wrench on a socket. Old mercedes were built with maintenance in mind so even if you need a special tool the job will still be easy.

Except for the 617 turbo diesel oil filter canister. Try removing that from the block with the engine or steering sector in the car. Two different 8mm allen wrenches that have been cut down are required. One needs to be twisted 60 degrees on its short end. You can get all but one of the bolts out, then you need the modifed L wrenches. Turn the bolt with one about 50 deg then switch and repeat ad-nauseum. God that brings up bad memories, I need a drink just thinking about it.

Flogger00 wrote: In reply to Ian_F: On my wife's E36 M3 diff I use a 14mm allen socket with a removable bit from HF. Pop out the bit, and use a 14mm closed end on it to crack it, and then spin out the bolt. Piece of cake, and no special tool needed. Also, VW 020s are 19mm.

Actually the 020 is 17mm.

Makes me glad my Ford takes a 3/8th ratchet.

I saw metric allen sockets at Horrible Freight last weekend. The set did have a 14mm that was an almost exact copy of my Hazet one.

I have a Snapon 14mm 3/8" drive allen socket just for that and the drain plug on a 220D. A bolt head with a nut on it as tight as i could get it was useless. The nut would back off. I welded the nut on and used that until I bought the Snapon piece.

Yeah, ATF, and the thing is surprisingly easy to maintain. Like when doing shocks, there's a bracket for a relay or something over the front left. They put a hole in the bracket just big enough to get a socket through to reach the shock top.

Rear end drain plug on an E36 is 14mm. I now have an M10 (14mm head) welded to a piece of bar stock.