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  #1  
Old 08-19-2001, 12:13 PM
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Question 300E valve guide seals

My 1986 300E has 200k plus miles on her. I've noticed that she's starting to burn oil (I'm going thru a qt. very quick within the last month or so). I've noticed that after running her for awhile she'll start to give off smoke when I accelerate or just let her idle, also I need the upper timing chain cover replaced. My question is: I've been to 3 different independent shops to get a price on this job. One keeps bringing up other possible reasons for the oil consumption, smoke and suggest that the job could run me around 2 to 3 thousand dollars. The other 2 shops are willing to do the job but they're trying to convince me into getting a new head altogether. Now, can someone tell me if I should have my original head done or should I change the head altogether?

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Richie
1986 300E
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Old 08-19-2001, 12:24 PM
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Why would you change the head? Talk about lack of repair capability.

Since you have so many miles I might suggest a valve job including valve guide replacement. If your shop can't do that, get another shop.

Even with your miles, if it were my car, I would evaluate the spark plugs and go for the worse cylinders; replacing the valve guide oil seals. The total job is about 3-3.5 hours and the seals are probably about $20. If while doing the first few "worse case" valves, it is found that the guides are too worn, then the head should come apart.

Replacing seals on worn guides will probably not last another 200k but is so cheap that its probably worth doing from a diagnostic sense. Since the whole motor is old, a cheap patch for 20-50k would give a chance to use up the bottom end before deciding whether to invest the big bucks, motor restoration will require.
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Continental Imports
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  #3  
Old 08-20-2001, 10:01 PM
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Steve,
Thanks for your reply. I definitely noticed that the first 4 spark plugs were corroded when I last changed the plugs in April( full of sludge). If what you are suggesting turns out to be the case, this whole job could be done very quick. With almost no down time as long as long as the head doesn't have to come off.
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Old 08-20-2001, 10:30 PM
dlswnfrd
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Moderator, RIGHTON

Brother of The Benz, rich30769
Your moderator hit the nail on the head.
The only addition would be the diagnostic technique to determine where the oil is coming from that you are burning and the manual testing of the valve guides.
There is a excellent article in the MBCA Star Magazine on this topic.
See if any of your Benz friends are members and would lend you the Magazine.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!
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Old 08-21-2001, 10:27 PM
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Donald and Steve,
Thank both of you for your great replys. Will convince my brother this weekend (or next) to do the work for me.
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1986 300E
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  #6  
Old 08-22-2001, 10:02 AM
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Check out Randy Durrance's WEB site:

http://durranceeng.com

Look at ENGINE VACUUM GAUGE TEST

You might want to precede your tear down with this test. Could prove useful.
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Old 08-25-2001, 10:21 AM
dlswnfrd
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Brother-in-Lawed

Brother of The Benz, rich30769
I've heard of being brother-in-lawed but this takes the cake.
Good luck and you buy the pizza and soft drinks for lunch break.
Since you have such an excellent connection for your valve job, consider a 3 angle grind.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman in Houston!!!

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