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Old 06-22-2001, 05:53 PM
Dave Quint
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I'm about to take my head off to do the valve guides and seals. My question is when I take it to a machine shop that does mercedes heads what exactly should I tell them I want done. Is it onlY the guides and seals or is there more involved. Such as the cam, rockers, or anything else. I'm assuming the shop will know but I dont want to get ripped off so I want to know what I'm talkinng about when I walk in.

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Old 06-22-2001, 06:54 PM
sixto's Avatar
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The best thing to do is to look for a shop that knows these cylinder heads. Looks like you've done that. I asked a local shop about the work involved and cost estimates and the guy seemed knowledgeable.

You didn't mention cleaning the head, checking for cracks and surfacing the mating surface if necessary. This guy quoted something like $330 for all that and lapping the valves, and checking what valve and guide work is necessary.

He said that later M103 valve guides are much better than those on early M103s. He said that he measures each valve and guide an replaces only what is out of spec. He doesn't just replace all the guides. I'd almost prefer if he'd replace everything, but again, he seems to know what he's talking about. Cost is determined by the number of pieces that need replacing, and it doesn't sound marginal.

He said that it's easy to damage the head by not following the cam bolt tightening/loosening sequence and observing the appropriate torque. For an extra ~$60, he takes care of removing and reinstalling the cam and swallows the cost of damage. And he inspects the cam and followers if you bring them.

I estimated the total to be just under $700 if all the guides but none of the valves need replacement. I'd be curious to hear if this is normal or high. This shop has a reputation of being pricey, but they also have a reputation for getting it right the first time.

I wonder what kind of controversy the practice of not replacing all the guides will start in this forum.

Sixto
91 300SE
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Old 06-22-2001, 07:02 PM
Dave Quint
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My shop quoted me 500$ for doing all all the seals and guides. I'll have to ask him about the rest. He seemed knowledgeable about mercedes heads and talked about how much work it is opposed to other heads.
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Old 06-22-2001, 09:07 PM
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All right, I'll bite. After spending 9 hours to R&R the head and another 5-6 to do the machine work, why would you even consider not replacing some guides? If they are all within spec its one thing. If any are out the others have been on the same trip.

So you have one or two out of tolerance after 100-200k, how long would you like your work to last. Guides are like 8 bucks a piece. I never go cheap on materials.
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Continental Imports
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  #5  
Old 06-22-2001, 09:56 PM
Dave Quint
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I agree with steve I'm just wondering if there is more I should look at than just the guides and seals since I will already have the head off.
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  #6  
Old 06-23-2001, 12:03 AM
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smoke gets in your eyes
 
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Dave,

Obvious things to me are as mentioned: cleaning, check mating surface, lap valves.

There might be some timing chain guide rails in the lower part of the engine and possibly a second timing chain to check.

Someone tell me if I'm confusing the M103 with another engine.

Sixto
91 300SE

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