I'll have them respond with what compression numbers the other cylinders had, if they can measure the height, put a scope in there, and what the other engine has in terms of paperwork, warranty, and its own compression numbers. I may even tell them I'm going to come down and look myself at it, put some pressure on. Even if I have them get into the head for the $400, once they pull it off I'm going to "again" tell them once they get in there some that I will want to come take a look in person. Not be not be trusting, but I want them to "show" me first hand their observations.

I think in this elite area they are used to people just saying "just fix it" and they throw them cash. I'm going to be different

I'll report back.

Pushed a little bit more. They didn't do compression on the other cylinders, as they said each injector line loosening made it react positively.
The engine they have is from a customer that had it serviced there for the last 15 years with records. The car was rear ended/totalled and they pulled the motor. They have other records of what has been reworked on the motor/head on that motor. He would give me 6 mth warranty on it. What do you think of that?

One thing he indicated to me is that the thing gushes so much oil in that cylinder that his scope wasn't able to really see anything in terms of cylinder walls, piston, etc.

What I did, however either way was told him to go ahead and verify by putting another 3 hours into it. At least I'll know. I told him I'm gonna be a picky bi*** since I'm not the trusting type and they'll have to be patient with me lol. I told them once they have it apart to call me and I'll come down and have them walk it through with me visually in person. Maybe I'll take pictures

I'll check back next week, and if anyone has inputs until then, it would be much appreciated!

Strongly suggest following vstech's input on the inspection. If its an MB failure the repair will be free.

BEFORE they pull the head, do a full compression check. 240 on #1 is low, what are the rest doing ??

__________________
1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

I would not trust the mechanic and put a stop work on it.

1) Why didn't they do the compression test with other cylinders?
2) Gushing with oil, not possible. it is did, you engine would not run. Hydro lock.
3) You cannot inspect the cylinder with injectors removed. The pre-chamber is in the way.

Good luck, you need that.

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

They were indicating the compression check on the rest was skipped due to each of them responding when the injector lines were cracked.

You heard an unusual knock since this occurred? If not the description fits the typical head gasket failure on these engines.

I also thought the cylinder may have been lighting off early because of all the oil fed in. That perhaps causing the knock?

Hydro locking damage with the front head gasket failure has not been mentioned on site as far as I know with your engine. Still it could happen.

cracking a line only shows 'compression' with NO indicator of amount.

Its your MB but I would damn well be getting a reading on all 5 cylinders.
Id also be following vstech's advice.

__________________
1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

Update, they got the head off and said I was in luck, broken gasket at #1. He said the cylinders, pistons, rings prechambers all look good. They are going to have the head sent to a machine shop, flatten it, new guides, valve seats/seals etc for much less than the engine he has. They are going to check for cracks, and look it over more. It's feeling pretty good at this point!

Keep feeling good. Still make sure the shop that is dressing the surface of the head knows the low limits of material removal allowed. For practical purposes it is almost nothing. Usually they are not warped anyways for your problem to arise. Hopefully they will just check it and leave that alone.

Both shops you consulted obviously where not that familiar with your engine type. Your failure is very common and to be expected on these engines. I only hope the place they sent the head out to is. If there is a decent warpage you change the head other than perhaps sending it to a specialized shop that can heat it and mechanically straighten it sometimes.

Next week is when I'll find out what the machine shop found in terms of its straightness, etc and will check back.

Well everyone, update. I had them dig into it for about 2 hours labor and yup it was a head gasket. The motor looks awesome inside. They sent the head to a machine shop to clean it up. They did new valves, valve guides, lifters, timing chain, timing chain guide, valve seals, pretty much everything in there. Thing runs awesome now.

See link:
Thanks all, just got it back and man that's how one should sound! (see youtube link below):

Wanted to thank you all again for your help! Thank you!

Thanks especially to German Care Service in Scottsdale for being patient with me and all of my questions!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDrRdha9Q_I

Says the video is private.

Sixto
83 300SD