Headgasket e320 1995 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bluerhino · #1 02-25-2004, 11:43 PM

Headgasket/valve job will be perfomed nextweek by an indy. In addition to headgasket/valve, what else should I ask him to examine, fix and or replace in these areas. Thanks in advance for any input.

mark cummins · #2 02-26-2004, 12:15 AM

Have The Shop Inspect the Engine wire harness...They last longer than the 119s but still after years can go.The Connectors snap and are brittle

With the cylinder head removed I Would replace all the rear heater hoses...Its Easier with the head removed

Check the EGR pipe frpm the Exhaust manifold to the Intake
Clean it out and or Update the pipe

A thermostat would be a Good Idea...at this time.

bluerhino · #3 02-29-2004, 02:36 AM

Thanks Mark. What about the timing chain? should I instruct them to replace it also. So far the car is in good running condtion except for the head/valve job due to slight leak.

J.HIDALGO · #4 02-29-2004, 08:10 AM

You are already there!

mbe32094 · #5 03-01-2004, 01:52 PM

Don't forget to have new head bolts and washers, front seal, new set of timing chain gear screws, water paump seal. Might be a good time to replace your timing belt too.

suginami · #6 03-01-2004, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mark cummins
Check the EGR pipe frpm the Exhaust manifold to the Intake
Clean it out and or Update the pipe

All of the above is good advice, but I think Mark is making a great suggestion that is usually overlooked.

Your engine is notorious for building up carbon (from oily pcv vapors) at the end of this "hot inlet pipe" where it enters the intake manifold. Many techs "ream out" this pipe at 60,000 mile intervals to avoid EGR codes when it completely plugs up.

The only long-term fix is to replace the pipe. The pipe was updated so that it is a little longer. Apparently this extra length is needed so that it sticks inside the intake manifold just a little bit more, preventing carbon build-up.

The pipe is about $100 or so, and is well worth the trouble.

bluerhino · #7 03-18-2004, 12:01 PM

Thank you to all for the valuable input. My GTO is back from head surgery. No leaks for now. The indy gave 1yr/12000 miles warranty (oil leaks in particular). I asked the mech out of curiosity, the chances of leak after 1 yr, his answer was.. based on my experience as an indy/MB dealership mechanic, 30 percent develops oil leak after 1 year for this model. In some cases even less than 1 yr. the dripping start. Thirty percent!!! that means I will be out with another 2K after one year if I am part of 30 percent. I better start praying now.

suginami · #8 03-18-2004, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bluerhino
Thank you to all for the valuable input. My GTO is back from head surgery. No leaks for now. The indy gave 1yr/12000 miles warranty (oil leaks in particular). I asked the mech out of curiosity, the chances of leak after 1 yr, his answer was.. based on my experience as an indy/MB dealership mechanic, 30 percent develops oil leak after 1 year for this model. In some cases even less than 1 yr. the dripping start. Thirty percent!!! that means I will be out with another 2K after one year if I am part of 30 percent. I better start praying now.

Well, for what it's worth, my independent Mercedes mechanic has told me that he has never seen another oil leak when he has replaced it with the new updated headgasket from the dealer. Never.

Evan · #9 03-18-2004, 07:41 PM

Do yourself a favor,, and have them inspect or possibly replace the guide rails.... ALSO!!!!!!!! Make sure you have them take the water pump off and inspect it thoroughly... once the head is back on then you have no idea how much of a bicth it is to replace.. You really will benefit from checking the pump.. I replaced my head gasket.. drove it 20 miles then it over heated.. IT was the water pump.. which is expected to go over time.. 3 hours work. when it could have been 40 minutes regularly

bluerhino · #10 03-22-2004, 12:10 PM

Thanks Paul... Actually head job was done previously by the dealer at 90K miles with latest gasket they said. At 137K, same thing was performed by an indy. Hopefully it will last longer this time, as I intend to keep this car till the end, as GTO. I tried to trade it in a few weeks back but the dealer (few of them) would pay only 6K, amazing isn't it, considering that the condition is above average.

cabrioed · #11 03-26-2004, 10:20 PM

hi
on 1993 e 320 headgasket leak at rear of the engine
i am getting different quotes from repair shops in the area anywhere from $700 to $1600 and that is
without rebuilding the head
can someone tell me what the job should cost and
could i trust my benz to local repair shop or need to look for someone who is mb trained?
thanks

suginami · #12 03-26-2004, 11:02 PM

I have a 1993 E320, and had my head gasket replaced along with redoing the head, honing / checking for straightness, and new guides and seals.

I paid $1,400.

Depending on where in the country you live, I suspect an M104 head job would cost from $1,200 at an independent to about $2,000 at a dealer.

Where in the U.S. do you live? Maybe someone can recommend a good shop in your area.

Kestas · #13 03-26-2004, 11:24 PM

You also didn't mention how many miles are on the engine. If the engine is still young it may not yet need a rebuild, just the gasket changed. But if it does have some appreciable number of miles, then yes, now would be the time to rebuild the head.

cabrioed · #14 03-27-2004, 05:41 PM

the engine has 155k on it
runs fairly smooth
i live in new york suburb LI town of Huntington
have a hard time locating a shop who specialize in benz
would you know of one
thanks for your help
ed
is it important which brand head gasket i purchase?

suginami · #15 03-28-2004, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cabrioed

i live in new york suburb LI town of Huntington
have a hard time locating a shop who specialize in benz
would you know of one
thanks for your help
ed
is it important which brand head gasket i purchase?

You must have this work done by an independent shop that specializes in Mercedes Benz vehicles. There are just too many things to know that a general mechanic wouldn't have knowledge of.

I'd try the search function for good shops in New York in the Good Shops section of the forum.

Also, the headgaskets have been updated by the factory many many times over the life of the M104 engine up through 1999. The latest revision has metal inserts which apparently work. Thus, you must use the OEM headgaskets from the dealer.

Heck, it would seem pretty foolish to jeapordize a $1,500 job trying to save money on a $10 gasket.