My 603 head gasket finally failed... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hit Man X · #1 11-26-2010, 04:09 PM

Well, my SDL decided to start using coolant. Great, right after I finished the suspension.

Oh well, it had to be done anyway now it has just been accelerated on my 'to do' list.

So currently I need input from my fellow forum people on what parts I need or am over looking. I am installing a rebuilt+updated head casting (17) and am planning the latest timing cover revision.

My plastic lines were replaced a few years back that go between the filters and the IP. I installed factory after glow already, my timing chain was done around '03/04 and has easily sub 50k on it from what I can remember off PO's records. If not, I will add the chain and tensioner.

Cooling system is pretty fresh. Rad from '06/07, thermo from '06, red fan switch from '06, WP I do not know but appears clean. 606 fan/clutch around then and fan belt was last year. Belt tensioner and accys are pretty new, around '06/'07.

Do I need the 3L or 3.5L head gasket set? And what is the preferred gasket... Elring, Goetz, Victor Reinz? I will be using new bolts.

What are you guys paying to have the IP resealed? Mine leaks like a sieve.

Should I have my spare Garrett resealed? Seems to me I might as well and I may be able to do this myself.

Do oil pan gaskets on the 603 like to leak?

What am I missing? There must be something.

bobodaclown · #2 11-26-2010, 04:21 PM

Where's the IP leaking from? Delivery Valves? (Splined socket) It's pretty easy and quick (O-rings and washers) and the Shut Off valve lever (O-ring). Haven't had to mess with the other stuff yet.
Great pictures here of the work done by one of the members (I believe it's GSXR):
http://www.w124performance.com/images/OM603_head_replacement/

Hit Man X · #3 11-26-2010, 05:15 PM

IP is squirting oil, I tried to reseal and limited it but it is still bad. Not leaking fuel thankfully.

Billybob · #4 11-26-2010, 05:23 PM

With the timing cover off the oil pump chain, its tensioner rail and spring are very easy to install and are probably only $30 in parts, once you get this rehab finished you probably won't need to get back into the engine again for another 200,000+ miles so now would be the time and opportunity to do that.

Jeremy5848 · #5 11-26-2010, 05:26 PM

The head gasket kit should have most of what you need. BTW, I am preparing to do the same job on my '87 300D (W124, OM603). Elring seems to be the preferred gasket brand although the kit I got is Victor Reinz and it is considered to be OK too. Get the gasket kit to fit your block, not the head (in your case and mine, the one for the 3.0 liter OM603.96 engine).

You will want to have new gaskets for the turbo oil supply and drain lines. Injector seals will be in the head gasket kit. You may want a new valve cover gasket, it is not in the head kit.

Does the #17 head use angled injectors and if so, do you have the correct hard lines? I had to get a new-to-me set of lines for the #20 head I got from Sixto. The angled-injector head also uses different glow plugs (80031), you probably knew that already.

It is recommended that you get a new set of 12 copper nuts (999901-008005) for the exhaust manifold studs and some people recommend replacing the timing chain tensioner (601 050 03 11). This is also a good opportunity to install a new temperature gauge sender (005 542 10 17). Finally, there are some o-rings on the oil dipstick tube and the turbo oil drain tube that can be replaced inexpensively.

Jeremy

Hit Man X · #6 11-26-2010, 10:22 PM

Ah, good call on the oil pump stuff. I did that on my '85 BMW 745i a while back when I had the front off a few years back.

Hmm... I believe this head has the new style, angled injectors. I have yet to look close. But luckily it came with a set of IP lines.

Good to have the glow plug PN, I will probably need to order six. I will just use the current ones for spares in my SD.

Well if it is recommended to do the timing chain tensioner, I may as well roll in a new chain too. Stuff is cheap enough.

pawoSD · #7 11-26-2010, 10:55 PM

Not to start a 617 vs 603 thread....but, it sure seems like the 602/603's have this happen rather often on the forum......my family has put a combined mileage of almost 200k on 4 different 617s.....and not one has needed anything but normal/routine maintenance, two of them have over 300k. In the past 100k on mine, all I've replaced is the timing chain, injector nozzles, and glow plugs......still runs perfect, still starts at 0F.

Hit Man X · #8 11-26-2010, 11:07 PM

Great, where did I mention once about information regarding a 617?

Unless you have something useful to post in here, please refrain. NOTHING was mentioned in this thread about the 617 and should not be after this paragraph.

I am trying to simply gather ideas and part numbers for jobs that I probably have overlooked (and did) during a head R&R, so I do this job once and only once.

pawoSD · #9 11-26-2010, 11:14 PM

It would be a good opportunity to replace the timing chain and guides since they will be out anyways.

How many miles on this particular 603? My observation is that this seems to be happening a lot lately as they get in the higher miles category.

JPUTT · #10 11-26-2010, 11:27 PM

My 300SDL 1987 is on its 3rd cylinder head of its life. The original #14 was replaced after a overheat issue at 180k miles. It was dealer replaced with a #17 head and lasted until approx 270k miles.It developed a crack at the #5 exhaust valve and started leaking coolant so I had to replace it. I now have the latest factory head a #22 (new) at 305k miles and doing well. During the head and gasket changes never was there a difference in the injector angle or fuel lines. My experience.

MB has made many changes in the cylinder head gasket and head over the years to combat different problem it had on the 603 engine. My suggestion is that you buy the latest updated gasket kit from MB along with the new bolts so you do not get an aftermarket gasket that is possibly obsolete because of the many choices out there. Use the MB EPC website (free of charge) to get the proper part numbers or go to your dealer that can look it up for you. I have played around with different head gaskets and had premature failures.

Do have your head and block checked for straightness and head for any cracks that might be there. I reinstalled my #17 head with just a new gasket only to find out that it had an almost undetectable crack at the #5 valve that was the problem all along. Big waste of time.....

As to your other questions, turbos are quite durable and oil pan gaskets I have never had a problem. I guess if they have been over torqued or messed with frequently I would change it.

If your glow plugs have some age, go ahead and change them out while the intake manifold is off.

Good luck.
John in NC...

DieselPaul · #11 11-27-2010, 03:24 AM

The 606 Turbo headgasket is factory MLS. That's worth considering. It does fit the 603. If/When mine goes I'll put a 606 MLS gasket on mine.

Bill Ladd · #12 11-27-2010, 10:23 AM

My original 603 has more than 300k on it.

Your injector lines are old style the have been modified to fit the new angled injectors you have.

How 'bout a new oil pump, oil pump chain, new timing chain and all-new guides (along with the oil pump chain tensioner).

I'd also go for a new timing chain tensioner, new serpentine belt tensioner and pulley, ya know, while you're in there.

How's that vacuum pump?

Jeremy5848 · #13 11-27-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselPaul

The 606 Turbo headgasket is factory MLS. That's worth considering. It does fit the 603. If/When mine goes I'll put a 606 MLS gasket on mine.

What's MLS?

bustedbenz · #14 11-27-2010, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

What's MLS?

Multiple Layer Steel, from a FAQ I just googled.

compress ignite · #15 11-27-2010, 03:22 PM

Diesel Paul,

OWT (Old Wive's Tale) / Urban Internet Legend ???

I'm hearing from some builders that the Block and Head mating surfaces HAVE
to be "almost" microfine polished ,when using MLS gasketry.
[Due to the inability of MLS to compensate for minor surface imperfections]
[Why else would VHT Copper Gasket Cement be available on Earth???]

(As opposed to "Flat and Straight" in normal composite gasketry)

Comments? Facts? Opine?

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