HELP! Looked at a 1980 Euro-spec 280CE

[VadGTI]

Went to check out a Euro-spec 280CE automatic today with 150k miles. The car's idle is mildly lumpy (the engine rocks back and forth), and rests at around 550 rpm.

Prior to getting there, the owner told me the water pump sprung a leak. Upon starting the car up, it started spewing coolant out of the waterpump onto the ground. The coolant was coming out grey and milkish, so I assumed the headgasket was going. However, when I checked the oil on the dipstick, it was perfect with no coolant traces whatsoever. The seller stated that he added some sort of a stop-leak (sounded like Bar or Bark's) and it was causing the milkyness.

Popping the cap off the radiator, the coolant, when filled to the top, had a bit of an oily slick on it. When the car was being driven around (and I was behind the car for quite a while, driving in LA traffic to several smog shops before they could accomodate us), there was no white smoke, except for a small puff on one occasion which lasted for maybe a second on take-off. Although the car sat in traffic, there was no overheating.

The car ended up passing the CA smog check, although the tech mentioned that the idle was way too low. So, could this be the headgasket causing the low idle due to loss of compression and discoloring the coolant? Could coolant and oil mix in the radiator but not end up in the oil pan?

[MunichTaxi]

If you can do a Leak down test with a tool called a Leak down tester, that will confirm if the head gasket is good or bad.

I ssem to remeber the OEM Mercedes coolant is a bit oily (and grayish). Perhaps that is what is being used in the radiator?

[t walgamuth]

The head gasket sounds blown. A dead miss at idle will make it rock and idle slow. That engine should be silky smooth.

I have an 84 euro 280 so if you have specific questions feel free to post here or pm me.

Tom W

[JimFreeh]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The head gasket sounds blown. A dead miss at idle will make it rock and idle slow. That engine should be silky smooth.

I have an 84 euro 280 so if you have specific questions feel free to post here or pm me.

Tom W

The waterpump for a euro M110 is not the same as a USA spec engine.

I agree with Tom, budget for a headgasket..... M110 heads are also more of a ***** to do than most, it's a two piece head. Cams can go bad as well.

That engine should be smooth as silk, with 185hp, it's a wonderful car when running right.

Drove an 81 280E grey market car for a number of years, loved it!

Jim

[t walgamuth]

It is surprising to hear that the water pump is different. Are you sure of that?

Tom W

[Wodnek]

I have a 73 280CE euro spec car. I would be interested in waterpump info as well.

[t walgamuth]

I would bet they are the same.

Actually I could check I have one of each.

Tom W

[JimFreeh]

I just checked my parts guy's website, and it looks like the pumps are the same for the US 280E and the euro 280SL with M110 engines...

I'll try to get up with Randy later today (3 hr time diff) and ask, I'll post later with the answer.

Jim