head gasket r/r difficulty level?

[benhogan]

I might be buying a w124 body 300d, 90's vintage with the facelifted headlights (not sure what year). only 160k miles.

it leaks coolant. the local indy told the owners that it will be needing a head gasket soon.

I might take the plunge if the price is right.

Question- how difficult is the head gasket r/r job? do i need special tools? do i need to farm out any special tasks (to a machine shop).

all tips are appreciated.

[vstech]

you will CERTAINLY need a MERCEDES qualified Diesel machine shop to inspect and verify the head will accept a gasket.

[benhogan]

please talk me out of it vstech.

how much am i looking at?

[barry12345]

Technically you work on small engines often. So it should not go too bad. It is not like you have no mechanical ability.

[Simpler=Better]

I spent ~$600 doing the head on my 617. That included valve guides, gaskets, bolts, timing chain rails, etc. I did the R&R and any modifications myself.