So I found a M103 car that I want for parts. It's cheap because of the "blown head gasket". Seller says it will not hold coolant and that it can't be driven any distance.

I have heard of people driving 103's with bad gaskets. Problem is, the car is over 100 miles away. A Uhaul with dolly AND mileage AND gas is pretty expensive. I asked if it's loosing coolant in the oil or externally down the side of the engine, no response yet. I would really like to have the car.

What can I do?

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08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D

You would have to drain all of the coolant and try the Head Gasket in a bottle fix (the kind that DOESN'T work with coolant but mixes with water only) and see if it will hold up driving it around before you trek home. I have used this before and driven a couple thousand of miles with just this in the system. Do a Google Search for Instant Head Gasket repair (Auto Parts Stores carry it). There are two kinds...one works with coolant (not always succesful) and one without (more success stories).

If it cannot be driven "any" distance, I doubt its head gasket. Its not gonna start spraying out everywhere. So either ....

A) It is driveable with a couple gallons of water and oil in the trunk

B) its got other problems, but including in addition of a bad HG

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

That's kinda what I was thinking. Probably some repair shop said not to drive it and that it need a head gasket. Could need a cooling system rehab.

__________________
08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D

There is another reason: water in one of the cylinders and will not start.
Anziani
'93 300CE 200K
'95 E420 122K

Do you have 'roadside assistance' from anyone (AAA, cell phone carrier, etc.) Start the trip and watch the gauges. First sign of trouble, call in a tow. Dirty trick, but it might work.

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John Breslin
93 500E, 92 500E, 86 190E 16V, 62 220SEb
Music City Chapter MBCA

Check this by pulling the plugs and sticking something inside that will indicate water, e.g. tightly rolled up paper. It should show water when you pull it back out.

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Peach Parts W124.128 User Group.

80 280SL
85 300SD
87 300TD
92 300D 2.5 Turbo
92 300TE 4Matic

Someone beat me to the punch. Waiting to hear back from the seller on if the other guy shows.

And the local '95 E320 with a bad harness was sold too 96K miles

Really wish some drunk didn't total my 400E

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08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D

Other guy took... oh well. Thanks for the replies.

__________________
08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D