i have an 89 420 sel with 233,000 miles on her and looking at a possible engine overhaul. starting to use oil and missing quite a bit. any suggestions on any overhaul kits and/or distributors to contact that would have all the necessary parts, etc.? thanks

The techs say the bottom ends of these engines never wear out.

You might just need new valve stems and valve seals.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Odds are very high that Paul is correct, but I would never do a valve job only without first doing a compression or leakdown test to ENSURE that the bottom needs no work.

Look before you leap,

[QUOTE]Originally posted by suginami
[B]The techs say the bottom ends of these engines never wear out.

With all due respect, It has been my experience that ALL things mechanical wear out, otherwise the roadways would be full of 89 420's

Lets be realistic.

Heres a site with some parts www.precisionautoparts.com,
Go for it guy45515
back when I had more time than money, I rebuilt a couple of Chevy, fords and many motorcycle engines, allways a blast.

You might want to price all of it and then look at rebuilt engines from http://www.AutoSportsUnlimited.com/
I've been on the back-room tour of their facility (my sister-in-law's house is across the fence) and it's impressive. I've purchased from them them and they're really good. It's a thought.

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Gregga
'89 420 SEL "Moby Dick"
'30 Ford Coupe
'31 Ford Slant Windshield Town Sedan
'33 Ford Pickup
'34 Ford Pickup
'01 Honda Passport