Hi everyone,

One of my intake valves are shot, and I think I'm going to pull the head.

Question: any good write ups with pics out there? Also, what's the cost range if I just took it to a reputable shop.

Prefer to do it myself, what are main stumbling blocks?

FYI: I've removed manifolds, carbs, radiators, valve adjustments, valve seals. Never removed cam (I think that's the hard part, right?).

Thanks in advance,

Jub

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Current:
1971 Mercedes Benz 250 (Euro Spec)
1972 Mercedes Benz 250 (US Spec)
Past:
1972 Mercedes Benz 280

So, maybe no great write-ups with pics?

It seems to me there are two separate obstacles: removal of timing chain/replacement, and removal of camshaft. Any decent write-ups on any of these topics?

Thanks again,

Jub

__________________

Current:
1971 Mercedes Benz 250 (Euro Spec)
1972 Mercedes Benz 250 (US Spec)
Past:
1972 Mercedes Benz 280

Don't know about write ups but if you've done those other jobs, I'm sure you'll have no problem with pulling the head. I pulled the left bank head on a M117 for a valve job long ago. I hadn't done the job before but the car was a beater so worst case scenario was an acceptable risk.
The key was to maintain tension on the chain when you get it separated from the cam gear so it doesn't slip a tooth on the crank.
Compress the springs on the valves and remove all rockers to relieve tension on the cam and then you can remove it. Have a friend help you maintain tension on the chain while you lift the head. Then use a bungee cord or something to hold the chain tight while the head is out for repair.
When you reassemble, line up the marks on cam tower and crank and turn the engine by hand to make sure there is no interference.
That's the gist of it, which I'm sure you already knew.
The M117 job was successful.

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

Look up the W113/Pagoda site. Lots of M130 info.

In some ways, the harder part of this job and likely the most important part is to get everything REALLY clean on the block surfaces for reassembly. The head will be spotless coming back from the shop but you'll have a bunch of gasket material to remove from the head (without scratching anything). Have to get all the fallen bits out of the cylinders as well.
One thing to consider, and something I'm not an expert on, is whether or not you will need a thicker head gasket to account for the head thickness lost at the machine shop and the resultant higher compression. A friend of mine has mentioned this in passing to me before.

__________________
63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

Thanks Josh, Thanks Frank!

__________________

Current:
1971 Mercedes Benz 250 (Euro Spec)
1972 Mercedes Benz 250 (US Spec)
Past:
1972 Mercedes Benz 280