W124 Head gasket repair in progress (pics) - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

psfred · #16 03-15-2007, 10:19 PM

The head gasket dies from repeated compression due to heating and cooling, not overheating, although overheating WILL cause one to blow -- but that's from warping the head.

They leak oil, not compression and the head usually isn't warped. The new gasket has different sealing compound traces and probalby has viton o-rings inserted at the oil drain in the back corner -- my German mechanic friend says MB has used that rear corner oil drain on every head he's ever seen (he's retired now) and they all eventually leak.

Peter

OzC36 · #17 03-16-2007, 07:20 AM

On the second photo, has someone dropped a black wire-tie clip near the left side of the chain?

Or is the clip securing something?

wbrian63 · #18 03-16-2007, 08:04 AM

clip (wire tie) is probably there to keep the timing chain from dropping into the oil pan.

G-Benz · #19 03-16-2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbrian63

clip (wire tie) is probably there to keep the timing chain from dropping into the oil pan.

Exactly.

G-Benz · #20 03-31-2007, 02:03 PM

I was unable to return to the shop for more pics, so my indie took some himself.

Here is the block and internals after cleaning:

The head back from the shop...new valve guide seals and some milling:

Valves polished:

Other issues were discovered and fixed as well including:

Cracked intake manifold replaced.
Cracked throttle body boot replaced.
Injector seals
Assorted gaskets
Belt tensioner
Spark plugs and plug wire ends
Oil cap, radiator cap and thermostat.
Assorted hoses, including the blown heater hose that disabled the car in the first place.
Assorted vacuum check valves
Timing chain tensioner
Chain rail top
Air filter
Oil and coolant

Engine feels like new again! Well, the top-end is almost new!

Still needs a tranny. I purchased a used one from a forum member along with a ignition coil cover (mine is cracked) Some of the bolts are stripped too, and when I perform that task, I will have the valve cover polished and the ignition cover will be carbon fiber decaled.

When the tranny arrives, it will be checked over before install. Reverse clutches will probably be replaced as well as a few seals...

larry perkins · #21 03-31-2007, 02:22 PM

if i am out or order,just say.
how much got spent on the engine work?
larry perkins lou ky

romansek · #22 03-31-2007, 02:23 PM

G-Benz,

Could you share with rest of us in DFW area who is yor indie?

Thanks

G-Benz · #23 03-31-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry perkins

if i am out or order,just say.
how much got spent on the engine work?
larry perkins lou ky

Total was close to $2300. Original estimate was $1800...discovery of additional damaged parts (the intake manifold was the most expensive) raised the original bill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by romansek

G-Benz,

Could you share with rest of us in DFW area who is yor indie?

Thanks

His name is Don Borland. His shop is MB Haus in North Richland Hills. Primarily works on the earlier (pre-2000) MBs, although he does tackle some limited repairs on some of the newer models.

fouskos · #24 04-02-2007, 02:59 AM

Have you changed the valve guides or just the stem seals?

Texholdem · #25 04-02-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

Total was close to $2300. Original estimate was $1800...discovery of additional damaged parts (the intake manifold was the most expensive) raised the original bill.

His name is Don Borland. His shop is MB Haus in North Richland Hills. Primarily works on the earlier (pre-2000) MBs, although he does tackle some limited repairs on some of the newer models.

I just wonder what the dealership would charge for all the works. Probably twice as much.
The engine looks great now. Is it called engine total overhauling?

G-Benz · #26 04-02-2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fouskos

Have you changed the valve guides or just the stem seals?

Just the guides. I think the valve stem seals are generally replaced on M103 heads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texholdem

I just wonder what the dealership would charge for all the works. Probably twice as much.
The engine looks great now. Is it called engine total overhauling?

I couple of years ago, Park Place quoted me $2600 for the head gasket job only. Not sure what else would have been performed.

My indie is a perfectionist. Since so much was removed, it was a good time to look for other quirky issues and just plain ancient parts (seals, plastic, wiring, etc.). Once the tranny gets swapped, it'll be ready for 300K (I hope)!

Oh yeah, for those of you that were interested, Don's # is 817-498-0075

JetTech · #27 04-03-2007, 03:41 AM

WOW, I'm impressed. Wish he was closer to Atlanta. I have yet to find an indie (or dealer for that matter) that takes pride in their work. Money well spent with an obviously talented and concientious technician!!

think300E · #28 04-03-2007, 05:04 AM

I had a quote (calif) for head gasket / head rebuild etc w/ timing chain replacement and parts (i think belt tensioner and other items accessible when the work is being done) for around 3k about 1yr ago. Still have not done the work. My issue is mainly oil leak (not in coolant) just extreme oil leak.
Wanted to do it all at once.

Thank you for the pictures and the price, puts things into perspective.

Out of curiosity why was the timing chain not replaced? or was it?

brewtoo · #29 04-03-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

Just the guides. I think the valve stem seals are generally replaced on M103 heads.

SURELY you replaced the valve stem seals!

G-Benz · #30 04-03-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by think300E

Out of curiosity why was the timing chain not replaced? or was it?

The chain was inspected and deemed sound for many more miles. The guides and tensioner wear are what concerned him the most. Front engine cover has to be removed to perform that operation, versus the chain, which he can roll in while standing on his head.

This was a somewhat budget-conscious effort, so we only dealt with the essentials. I have a good relationship with my indie, and at our first meeting, I told him that I wanted to make this car solid again, but in a phased approach. So every so often when I take the car in, he notes items to watch for over and above what is being serviced.

As I mentioned earlier, I also have a tranny issue that will be dealt with later with a swap. Aside from that, I can't imagine any more major powertrain issues that will come up in the near future. But when I get my 200,000m service done, you can bet the chain will be replaced, and he'll make another attack on any worn seals and guides.

BTW, valve cover will be removed later for polishing. He will inspect the head once again for integrity...