Removal connecting rods and pistons (Mercedes-Benz E-Class W123)

1. Remove the cylinder head, front crankshaft oil seal and oil pump.

2. Remove the oil return tube, oil dipstick tube from the oil pan housing. If necessary, insert a soft metal plug from below.

3. Loosen the generator mounting bracket bolts if necessary.

4. Unscrew the bolts and nuts and remove the oil pan cover from the crankcase. Use a lever to separate the lower half of the rear crankshaft oil seal.

5. Check the presence of marks on the connecting rod bearing caps and, if necessary, mark them using a center punch in accordance with the connecting rod and cylinder numbers.

6. Turn the crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal of the 1st cylinder is in its lowest position, then unscrew the nuts and remove the bearing cap with light blows of a wooden hammer. Leave the bearing shells in the connecting rod and cap.

7. Move the piston and connecting rod up the cylinder with the handle of a hammer and remove them through the top of the cylinder block. Screw the cap onto the connecting rod.

8. Repeat the operations described above on the piston and connecting rod in the 6th cylinder, and then on the 2nd and 5th, 3rd and 4th cylinders.