560SEC headgaskets - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

johng99 · #1 12-15-2009, 01:29 PM

My SEC oil leak has gotten much worse in the last 6 months and the dripping on the exhaust manifold has made it intolerable. I love the car and want to keep driving it - everything on the car works as it should, except the leak.
Today my mechanic did a dye test and said that I am leaking oil all around the left head and in the rear of the right. He knows this car very well ( he was the second owner) - he is honest and very fair, and has performed all the maintenance on the car for quite a while. He has quoted me $2000 to do the job, including new valve guide seals, gaskets, all rubber pieces, etc. He will also inspect the chain and guides and replace if needed (parts additional). Machining of the heads will be additional, if needed. He is predicting this won't be necessary, but we will see when we get in there. I will get some photos of the job-should be interesting.
The price seems fair, and he has the experience (he is well known in these parts). Any advice on other things to look for?
Thanks everyone,
John

jhodg5ck · #2 12-15-2009, 01:40 PM

@ 170K it would Foolish not to have the heads machined...You'll be taking the heads back off in 30 or so K should you choose to leave them in place.

If chain & tensioner has not been done, plan on it. Rails should be replaced strictly as a matter of course.

It's a good time to upgrade to tri-y's should you be so inclined.

I'd also go ahead and replace all the injectors/cups/seals if they are still original.

Does his price include tearing down the intake manifold and related CISE bits?

Jonathan

----------------
Now playing: Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven
via FoxyTunes

johng99 · #3 12-15-2009, 02:06 PM

Hi Jonathan,
I agree that we will probably be doing the machining, too, he just won't make that call right now (he is a retired German mechanic, has worked on these cars all of his life). He did say that there are many small rubber hoses, tubing, and that he would replace all of this. He did not mention the intake manifold - is this recommended? And how many labor hours can you expect on this?
What about try-y's? How hard are these to get?
I would like to keep this car a long time.
John

jhodg5ck · #4 12-15-2009, 02:17 PM

That being the case, he should know that even under Ideal conditions M117 guides are Done by 200K :-P

I've got a set of tri y's on the shelf, you'll need down pipes and @ least part of your exhaust system fabbed up to work w/ this setup, but that aside, these are the Best bang for your buck HP increase out there.

Drop me an email if you like and we'll see if we can work something out!

Jonathan
jono@blueridgemb.com

----------------
Now playing: Coldplay - God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
via FoxyTunes

johng99 · #5 01-11-2010, 06:30 PM

I decided to go ahead with the head gaskets and everything everyone here has recommended is coming to fruition. I did tell my mechanic that I wanted the job done right and would consider doing additional work as we got into the job, depending upon what we found. With the intake manifold off and the valve covers off I got a call from my mechanic to come and see the engine and discuss what he sees. First the timing chain - it was stretched 7 degrees, and he said he does not usually change until 10 degrees of stretch, but made the option open to me, as he said it is very little additional labor. I agreed to change the chain, guides and tensioner. Cams, timing gears look like new. Next was fuel injectors. Again they are worn and he recommended replacement "while we are in here" as there would be no additonal labor, only parts. Again I agreed. Also I agreed to replace about every piece of rubber and plastic involved as I want it to run right. So, I am into more money, but still within the range I thought (3k to 5K), depending upon what we find when he tears down the heads. Today he called and said he has one head off and that the block looks very good. No shiny spots - everything tight. He invited me to come over tomorrow and look as he will have both heads off by then, and I want to shoot some photos as well. I will keep you all posted.
ciao