OK... so I finally had to do the headgasket on the SDL. I mean the original one went 413K miles... I guess I should be happy! The car should be done this week, and I ended up having a good mechanic friend do it for me. A complete job for 900 bucks... who could argue?! Anyhow, I will post any additional results when I get the car back (hopefully) this week. When a friend is cutting you a deal, you really cant be too pushy with them

I will post more later!

Peace
Aaron

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2000 BMW 323ci 96K
1986 300SDL Turbo 421K (head rebuild/gasket at 411K)
1967 250SE with really rare options needs some motor work
1977 240D automatic - gave to little brother, he now has the 'diesel love' is Turbo240 on this forum
1995 Lifted Ford Explorer XLT 4x4 173K (sold)

*** Next year would love a PO 2004-2005 M3 SMG and when a biz deal pays off, a nice used Porsche Cayenne S.

http://www.museum-mercedes-benz.com/?lang=en
http://www.mbusa.com/heritage/classic-center-california.do

I sure am glad I am a DIYer, I am hoping to get mine done in the 50.00 range...
my non turbo 300D got a bit overheated... as soon as I get it apart and see the damage, we will see if I pop for a gasket, or just transplant my extra turbo motor in the bay.
wish me luck!
John

What about the conditon of the head?

No cracks?

What about the valves? With over 400K on the head, did you consider doing the valves??

What about the guides and seals??

That's a ton of miles to just simply slap a head gasket on and expect to fly??

I would assume that his $900 "complete job" is a full top end rebuild.

900 may not cover the parts.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Well, I don't think he can get a full top end for $900. The labor to R & R the head is about 8 hours and there are some miscellaneous parts that are required, so, $900. is probably just the head gasket.

I spent about $1K on mine........and I did the labor.........

Ouch.