OM617 Head Gasket Replacement w/o Rebuild? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #1 07-28-2020, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gottarollwithit

After much debate, I’ve decided to pull the head and rebuild it. Such a waste of $$, but I like being smog exempt.

I figure, I’ll run this motor til it blows then transfer the head to the spare motor when the time comes

My opinion is it is not a "waste" of $$, but more like a "use" of $$. You might have been disappointed after installing the head without a rebuild (surfacing being the most important part), and have it possibly fail again. And like you said, "I figure, I’ll run this motor til it blows then transfer the head to the spare motor when the time comes". To me, that is not a "waste" of money. You will be better off in the long run to give this engine the best possible chance to survive. That means a complete head rebuild with valve grind, seals, surface, new head bolts, and guides if needed......Rich