I had the same situation on my 86 300E. However, I bought it that way and the PO put about 200 miles on it and then I put about 300 miles on it in that broken condition and it really beat the cam shaft up. But I would really look at that cam critically because any running after those blocks break loose is likely to do some cam shaft damage. I thought that Mercedes had resolved that problem of the head by their changes to that engine in mid 87, but evidently it still does happen.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!