Well, turns out the gasket was there, but hard as a rock, so I made up a rubber gasket to go over it, and it appears fine, BUT.....took the car in for mandatory inspection, a local MB knowledgeable mechanic, and lots of oil UNDER the front end too. He's quite sure it's a head gasket! Now I'm in for a treat this winter. He says it's a 16 hour job, each side, and I should do both sides.

Anyone had this experience? Can the heads leak oil out the gasket and there be no oil burning, or oil in the coolant?

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1986 560SL
2002 Toyota Camry
1993 Lexus