I have a really nice low mileage 91 190e with a 2.3 8 valve with 92000 miles. The engine was overheated due to a water pump failure. When it overheated I was going 70 down the freeway and it started spark knocking.

The car would not restart after it cooled down. I knew I was going to have the head gasket before this happened due to finding oil in the coolant.

When I removed the head I found the exhaust valve, guide and the head itself had actually melted as can be seen in the picture.

I see no damage to the cylinder walls or the pistons. If I can locate a used head would it be worth saving this engine? I was told since I overheated it and ruined the head if I do fix it that it may burn oil due to the rings being overheated.

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Clint. 1983 300D turbo, 150k
http://www.youtube.com/clintard