Cracked Head 260E

YEAR: 1987
> MAKE: Mercedes
> MODEL: 260E (Built in Germany)
> COLOR: black
> PART(S): cylinder head
> COMMENTS: 280,000 miles, but body still high gloss and
fantastic shape...was blowing oil for couple of years, only when idleing and starting out...used about a quart every 1000...down to about 500... had valve seal replaced and it got worse...not better.

last month all of a sudden and coolent starting blowing out of
reservoir...local mechanic took head off and sent to machine shop... they report head is cracked...I went up to check out gasket...it was in good shape...

local guy does not think new head is best way to
go, as lots of miles on the engine...

but engine ran like a top before head cracked...even with pushing oil out....plenty of pep...and no knocks or slaps, etc. queit.
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I am retired on small pension, last thing I needed....well maybe next to the last.

The A/C is shot too and front seal on trans leaks.

Local guy, neve used before, does big business, lots of commercial trucks and vans too... But finding out from locals, charges arm and leg.

In any event, he was thinking replace with used engine...and could replace seal easy with engine out...or get rebuilt engine...he was supposed to get back to me...has had car for 3 weeks now...still waiting.

Meanwhile, I shopped on line...rebuilt engines seem to range from 3500 to 6,000... I could buy two 260s for that.

used from 500 to 3,500... one with 66K but wants 1800 (us dollars). \

I found used head for 75.00, having it shipped now.

But don't know...what this guy will think of that...if his machine shop will ok it... if I should just clean it up, check it with a level, and put in on... or have valves reseated...or rebuilt first...

Should have him pull engine and replace rings and bearings, with stock ones, not have it turned...someone said could easily replace rings without pulling the whole engine, local guy thinks better to pull the engine...dollars and more dollars...

anyone know a good reasonable mercedes guy in Maryland/Delarware area...

suggestions, ac/ trans leak, head, needs brakes too, only redeeming value is it looks great...rides nice too
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I also have a 260E (1989) with high mileage. The car is currently at the shop for head work. I hope he won't find a crack in it.
I would go along with a used head. While you are there, I would have the valve guide checked for tightness, put new seals in and install on the Engine. I,d be extremely surprised if there is more problems with rings /pistons/bottom end of the engine. These engine are extremely tough.
If money is a concern (I know what it is), I would put just enough money on it in order that it works decently well, and hope for the best.
Good luck

[Mike Murrell]

Check out Roy Fields Mercedes in Timonium, Md. Over the years I've heard alot of folks over the WEB say good things about him. He has a WEB site:

http://www.royfieldsmercedes.com

Sometimes his WEB site is down.

Good luck.

[Paul]

oops....posted my reply as a new thread...topic HEAD

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

Paul,

If you are so inclined, you can delete the new thread and repost the topic in this thread.

Scotty,

If money is tight, I would see if the used head is in a condition that is can be used on your engine. Good luck!

[John Plut]

Scottie, I also have a 260e, 1988 I just replaced the valve stem seals on.

Regarding the cracked head, I think your best bet would be to find a good used head (like you already have) and rebuild it before putting it on. It would be a bummer to go through the work of replacing the head and have a problem. A rebuild should probably consist of new valve guides and valve stem seals, and regrinding or replacing the valves. You could probably use parts out of your old head.

I would not be too concerned with the bottom end of the engine. The bottom end is pretty durable in these engines and it is basically a separate repair procedure anyway - might not save you anything.

If you are able to take the head off, and put it on yourself, this job should not cost too much, I'd expect to pay about $500 for the rebuild but I have not done it yet so someone else might have a better idea of cost.\

Good Luck!