My 1986 300E has 200k plus miles on her. I've noticed that she's starting to burn oil (I'm going thru a qt. very quick within the last month or so). I've noticed that after running her for awhile she'll start to give off smoke when I accelerate or just let her idle, also I need the upper timing chain cover replaced. My question is: I've been to 3 different independent shops to get a price on this job. One keeps bringing up other possible reasons for the oil consumption, smoke and suggest that the job could run me around 2 to 3 thousand dollars. The other 2 shops are willing to do the job but they're trying to convince me into getting a new head altogether. Now, can someone tell me if I should have my original head done or should I change the head altogether?

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Richie
1986 300E