Leaking Head gasket on 99 S500??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rickwomble · #1 05-30-2007, 08:00 PM

The plastic connector in the coolant line at the firewall broke and my 99 S500 overheated recently. I replaced the part but now it is overheating quickly and making burping noises like air is leaking into the coolant. I did a leakdown test and found that air is leaking back into the coolant revervoir from cylinder #7. This leads me to believe that I have either a cracket head or leaking head gasket. Is it definitive that the head is cracked or the head gasket is bad or is there any other test I should do before pulling the head off and having it checked for cracks and replacing the head gasket etc?

I've also heard rumors that you can pull and replace the head without pulling the intake manifold on some V8s. Is this possible on my engine?Any experinced advice would be appreciated.

jhodg5ck · #2 05-30-2007, 09:40 PM

You'll be taking the intake off for this job.. If you're lucky you just blew the gasket/warped the heads a touch.

Short of it, you'll be taking the engine apart..how many miles on her? I'd do the valve guides/chain/tensioner/rails, p/s'ing pump etc while I'm there.

Jonathan

rickwomble · #3 05-30-2007, 11:02 PM

Thanks for the advice. The engine has 166K on it. Should I pull the other head and have it checked and valve guides and seals replaced on it also while I have it apart?

jhodg5ck · #4 05-30-2007, 11:51 PM

I wouldn't consider doing the job w/o doing as much.

Jonathan

rickwomble · #5 06-02-2007, 01:04 PM

Can you recommend a good machine shop in Atlanta GA for the heads?

jhodg5ck · #6 06-02-2007, 01:17 PM

No...I send all of my machining up to NY...the few machine shops I have come in contact with down here didn't overly impress me.

If you would like the name/# of my guy in NY feel free to get in touch, blueridgemb@gmail.com or 404 805 1357

Jonathan