Since buying this car in 2003, I've monitored the level of coolant in the expansion tank. Until recently, it was always about the same - about halfway full. A few weeks ago, I noticed the expansion tank is almost full. Some coolant is weeping from the block heater port on the engine. Coolant is also weeping from the head gasket at the rear right corner of the engine. I'm pretty much resigned to the fact that the head gasket is gone or going.

I checked for exhaust gas in the coolant with the Napa block tester fluid. Test fluid didn't change color and stayed blue. No froth on the oil dipstick. No overheating. No hard hoses when engine is cool or warm.

I replaced the water pump and expansion tank 64,000 miles ago.

The ac compressor is also shot. I'm about a half a step away from letting the old girl go in favor of a newer model, but she's so clean and pretty. No rust, paint is damn near perfect, interior is 95%, headliner is new oem vinyl, glow plugs are not stuck.

Here's the rub ... the car needs a new head gasket, maybe a head, probably the evaporator and a compressor. I figure she needs $2500-$3000 worth of work just to be worth $2000. I'm at a crossroads now. I've done a lot of work myself on this car, and my 300td, but I don't have the time anymore, and I can't seem to find anyone nearby experienced enough to tackle the required work. This is a beautiful car and I love driving it.

What would you do?

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2009 E320 Bluetec 117,000
1995 E300D 306,000 Sold
1996 Ford Taurus LX 130,000 Sold
1985 300TD Still 225,000 Sold
2016 Ford Fusion 24,900

Might as well part it out. If you like the car, there are others out there for sale. Or find a lower priced mechanic to fix it all.

If the expansion tank fits into a 1991 300d, make me an offer I can't refuse.

Email me directly as I'm not on the forum all the time.

jeff 1991 300d

Replace the block heater with a welsh plug, and replace the headgasket. It's not as complicated as you may think. If you decide to let it go, drop me a PM, I could be tempted to buy a project car.