Is there any relatively simple / straightforward way to identify whether a cylinder head is the original (crack prone) casting, or a newer “improved” casting? I’ll be going to look at a car, and would like to know. Supposedly, the engine was “rebuilt”, but what the rebuild consisted of, I don’t know. It would definitely put a smile on my face if I can be sure that the head is a new one!

Thanks Guys!

Dave M/gsxr posted the casting numbers and where to find them. I know they're in the area of the #2 intake manifold runner and/or injector but I don't know the sequence of numbers.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

The number on the head is located around the #2 and #3 injector. Usually inbetween.

The 7th and 8th digits are what matter most.

I think the numbers are something like this;
If the number is 15 or above, then it has had the updated head. If below, then it still has the original.

I read the number on my head wrong, so I still have the original head on my SDL (number was 14). Only 297K miles on it, If it cracked now I would never buy another aluminum-headed MB diesel again!:p :p :p

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)