What's an SDL with a blown head worth? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Sveinn · #1 03-16-2007, 02:03 PM

I'm looking at an SDL with interior and exterior in immaculate condition, but the owner claims it "needs a new head gasket".

I haven't had a chance to check things out in detail yet (will do that tommorow morning), but I suspect the problem is a bit worse than that.

The vehicle does still run, but it is blowing coolant out the exhaust pipe. I will check to see if the vehicle has the lucky #14 head, but even if it doesn't, it seems like I should assume that the head needs to be replaced. Am I being too pessimistic here?

I don't think the bottom end of the engine (or any other part of the vehicle) has any major issues.

I will be doing all the labor to repair the vehicle myself, so I suppose I'm looking at $3000+ for parts/machining services alone. Given this, what would you all think I should pay for the vehicle?

Thanks in advance for the help.

TX76513 · #2 03-16-2007, 02:15 PM

Work you math backwards. A nice SDL speciman is worth $6K. Take all the needed repairs to bring the car up to spec. out of the $6K and you will have your price. Don't forget all the little things that can add up quick like guide rods, subframe mounts, rack, and paint.

rrgrassi · #3 03-16-2007, 02:26 PM

What year SDL?

vstech · #4 03-16-2007, 02:29 PM

one just sold on ebay for 1700.00
blown head... very nice example seats a little worn.
when you factor in labor to pull and reinstall, 1500 -2500 would be a fair price.
EXTREMELY nice example should be worth up to 4K.
John

vstech · #5 03-16-2007, 02:30 PM

I of course would look for either a perfect specimen, or go really cheap on one I would have to put time into repairing.
John

Sveinn · #6 03-16-2007, 02:32 PM

Sorry, forgot to provide some relevant details like that. It is a 1987 model with a sun roof, gray leather interior., gray exterior, re-chromed wheels, heated seats, A/C and all the usual electronic luxuries. Claim is that all electronics works except for the power antenna (which is really a mechanical issue in this case - the motor works).

rrgrassi · #7 03-16-2007, 02:42 PM

Ok, so no rod bender. That is a good thing. Look for a #22 head IIRC, or any number above 14.

What are they asking for it? I'd offer $500 to $1000, and check the oil for coolant. Bearings and coolant do not play well together, and water in the combustion chamber is a recipe for disaster as well, due to the expansion rate of steam.

amosfella · #8 03-16-2007, 03:24 PM

A tested scrapyard engine is worth about $1500. Look them up on the internet. Then you can take your time rebuilding the other engine, and have a spare that you can use if there is a problem.
For all the flack it takes, the #14 head is alright. all the heads will crack if overheated., although retorquing the head right after it overheats is said to be able to save it. Take that opinion for what it's worth.

Marcb · #9 03-16-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amosfella

A tested scrapyard engine is worth about $1500. Look them up on the internet. Then you can take your time rebuilding the other engine, and have a spare that you can use if there is a problem.
For all the flack it takes, the #14 head is alright. all the heads will crack if overheated., although retorquing the head right after it overheats is said to be able to save it. Take that opinion for what it's worth.

I still have a palletized good 603 I'd sell for a reasonable price if interested as well.... I bought it for a project and then later sold the car.

Hit Man X · #10 03-16-2007, 07:39 PM

It does run, so $1k MAX. That car better be spotless to fetch that amount of cash. Dead cars I pay no more than $700 for.

Hatterasguy · #11 03-16-2007, 09:15 PM

It depends on what "perfect" means. To me a true "perfect" SDL looks like it just drove home from the dealers lot.

Figure $3k to replace the head, deduct from what the car will be worth when fixed. Figure a good one is worth about $6k, if this one has other issues keep deducting.

#12 03-17-2007, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amosfella

A tested scrapyard engine is worth about $1500. Look them up on the internet. Then you can take your time rebuilding the other engine, and have a spare that you can use if there is a problem.
For all the flack it takes, the #14 head is alright. all the heads will crack if overheated., although retorquing the head right after it overheats is said to be able to save it. Take that opinion for what it's worth.

how does one recognize a #14 head? I'm buying an SDL tomorrow... $1200, no rust, needs paint and has 'sinus-like'idle... runs good though.

aersloat · #13 03-17-2007, 02:06 AM

Geez, don't you have enough cars? Look right above the #2 injector under the crossover pipe and you will see a casting number. I believe that it is the second to last set of two numbers, but in any event if you see a 14 in the number that is what you have.

AJEYA · #14 03-17-2007, 02:06 AM

I have a good(tested) #14 head if you are interested. $375 + shipping.

#15 03-17-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aersloat

Geez, don't you have enough cars? Look right above the #2 injector under the crossover pipe and you will see a casting number. I believe that it is the second to last set of two numbers, but in any event if you see a 14 in the number that is what you have.

well... I just sold 2 of them see.

thanks for the info!