Hey 'Chassis' or 'Sleepwalker', may I ask a couple qu's about my SL500-04? (Vin is the later -F084911 chassis model for that year.)

First (and thanks for allowing this, I'm kinda ignorant), the motor has a bit of corrosion that aluminum tends to get-you know, the white chalky stuff. I hate that, even though it's under the MB cover. Any ideas as to how to clean this. I'm afraid of the typical 'engine sprayfoam/wash'. I'll hand polish if need.

Second, the valve covers have a bit of seepage; I really don't like that either. The driver bank is mostly gooped up from the oil being spilled during fill/change, but I still would like to replace both gaskets and clean. It's not like a Harley in seepage, by far, but it's got the spooge on it and I'd like it fixed with new gaskets and wonder the steps/difficulty/tricks. I'm noticing a couple gaskets for each cover, the smaller with crankcase vent lines, I'm guessing?

Finally, while I'm in the valve train area, the passenger rear bank valve (number four or number seven cylinder; I'm not sure how Benz numbers them) has a bit more lash than the others. It's not a 'pressure' lash from heavy throttle, and it doesn't seem to quiet much when warmed up (but does a smidge, which is more than a scoche I think); it's kinda constant. This said, it's not exactly loud or even a lot, but again, I KNOW IT'S THERE. And I figure if none of the other 23 valves are quite as loud, I don't want this one that way, either. Does this engine require a valve adjustment in the 50-75k range. I love the sound of the cam chains (vs the belt in my audi) and the car runs fan-dam-tastic, but I want to know what's normal for these autos and what to be aware of as to the drive train. (Again, I'm really kinda dumb to this.)

A Mercedes is definitely a new realm for me and any info from you guys would be greatly appreciated. ... Also, where/how do I get a good repair manual for this beast?

thank you again
rlb