Rebuild cylinder head 1975 230.4

[tomee]

Is there any other work I should consider once the head is removed? I bought a new water pump today because it was less than $30 and easy to change out with the front of the engine off. Any other work I should consider while the labor is so cheap?

[Mike D]

Valve stem seals, of course. Double check the guides, have the head checked for straightness, lap in the valves and you should be good for another 100K miles.

If the head is not true make sure the shop knows how to straighten the head instead of just milling it flat. If they don't know what you are talking about then take it to another shop.

A good rule of thumb for minimum thickness is to lay a paper match sideways beneath the casting numbers on the left rear of the head. You should have some "meat" below the lower edge of the match.

[tomee]

Is it true this gas engine is as robust as the 240D? So....a new valve job should not blow the bottom end out? The engine was blowing a lot of smoke at idle after stop up - like oil running down the valve stems. But, engine has tremendous power and acceleration for a four cylinder.

[t walgamuth]

I believe many of the parts are the same between those gassers and diesels such as the crank and bearings.

They're pretty rugged but the gas running down the cylinders makes more wear than diesel.

I have always thought the thing about doing a valve job will make it start to use oil is a lot of bunk. If the bottom end is sound its sound....just my $.02.