PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Need Confirmation: M104 headgasket issue?

gmercoleza · #3 05-18-2007, 10:24 AM

Thanks G for the confirmation. I just now recall reading about your very similar head gasket experience. Can I ask how long you drove on it before it became unmanageable? Did you ever detect coolant in the oil?

I am going to call and get some quotes, but there is the possibility that I may end up doing the work for him. In the past, when I have done cylinder heads, there were a lot of other things that I did at the same time because they were much easier to get to while the head was out. These included hoses, connectors, water pump, front cover, valve guides and seals, etc. especially if these parts were original. Since you have gone through this already, what would you recommend be done while the head is out? Also, can you tell me if you removed the manifolds or if you left them intact and removed the whole assembly with a hoist?

One last thing - I fear the wiring harness and other delicate parts may not survive the procedure. Although the deteriorating wiring harness issues were supposedly resolved by 1995, I checked his out and it appears that years of heat have dried it out and made it brittle. There are a few wires in fact that I swear I can crack the insulation if I bend them enough. Did you run into any issues with your harness? Any electrical gremlins after the job?

I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons so I can make a recommendation to him. I would hate to get started only to find out that the cost of repair exceeds the value of the vehicle. I know that harness can be expensive! Thanks.