In the process of getting ready for a long weekend of car repairs (head replacement), I have a few more questions:

1) I got new head bolts from Fastlane. They do not come with washers. Should I use the old ones? Should I use off the shelf metric washers at Auto Zone? Or should I buy new OE washers?

2) I see in the MBZ repair manual a diagram of the timing chain. There is a bolt called the "chain lock" that appears to lock the chain onto the drivers side of the injection timing gear. Should I screw in this bolt when I want to secure the chain and prevent from skipping a tooth? I will use PSFred's suggestion of inserting a flat piece of metal stock (brazing rod or similar) through both sides of the chain when I lift up the head....looks from the diagram that I should pull the driver's side of the chain toward the passenger side to prevent from skipping a tooth on timing gear...any thoughts? (I really want to make sure I dont screw this up!)

3) Fast lane had all of the head bolts except for two of the short ones at the very front around the timing chain housing....I assume I can re-use the old ones since I don't think these are critical "stretch bolts" as on remaining area of the head...is that true, or should I get the two new ones so I have a complete new set?

4) Why does a "head gasket set" contain only the head gasket and exhaust manifold gasket, and not the intake manifold gasket which must be bought separately???

Thanks again for all the help,

Mark

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)