As has been discussed before, I'm pretty sure I have a broken head gasket on my m103 300E. Just the other day, I noticed that there was a constant drip of water from the rear passengers side of the block. Seems to be coming from where the head meets the block.

Just out of curiosity though, what is the probability of running into a crack in the block when it comes time for the head gasket? Coolant loss is progressively getting worst, so I assume its a result of the deteriorating head gasket (head gasket kit is in the mail, along with valve stems seals and other parts needed for the job as we speak). When it comes to cracks in the block, is there a certain set of circumstances (like engine overheating?) or can it happen randomly?

Edit: I'm probably being a hypochondriac, but oh well.

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87 300E
202k on the clock

i think you would have to subject engine to hard freeze with only plain tap water in it [no antifreeze] for the block to crack.water leak from block likely to be freeze plug,but it's probably the head gasket.

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David S Poole
European Performance
Dallas, TX
4696880422

"Fortune favors the prepared mind"
1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL
1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator)
2000 Mercedes Benz C280
http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/A...1159.thumb.jpg

I agree with david.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks for the info - that successfully allays my fears as there has never been more than 50% water in the mix, maybe more anti-freeze as I continually added it over the last month or so.

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87 300E
202k on the clock

even if it was overheated - the block is pretty durable and can take a lot of abuse. I had one last year that had overheated to the point where it had warped the head and was at the point where it couldn't even be started anymore. Fixed the head, did a valve job and you'd never know it was ever like that after driving that car now.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Thats awesome that it can take so much punishment - to my knowledge it has never been overheated and actually, the car goes home tomorrow to be dropped off at the shop to have the head gasket done. Hopefully a week after that all but the smallest problems will have been worked out.

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87 300E
202k on the clock