Originally Posted by ebrobb

Thanks for the encouragement.
I think I did a good job on the head gasket R&R procedure, I took my time, if I got stumped, I consulted a couple manuals or the internet.
I actually found and bought a Genuine Mercedes Repair Manual on CD, in the MB sleeve and never opened, but never needed to consult it.
Anyway, I knew the heads were a problem going into this thing, I have owned 4 of the OM603 over the years, but the engine ran well when I bought the car despite the mileage and other things that needed fixing. So I set about fixing the other things, figuring when I got most of the little things repaired I would have the car re painted, and I had gotten a couple price quotes for body work. Now that the engine is whacked just doesn't seem like it's worth pressing forward.
The thing I am most pissed about is the money I dumped into it to fix, window motors, central locking system, having the wheels sandblasted and professionally painted, new tires, etc. It was all fun until the stinking motor went south.