Since this work is so similar as on a Diesel engine & there are usually more responses on the D side , than the Tech forum...

Real bummer:

My pops 93 300TE 4 matic wagon somehow sprung a leak & the oil & antifreeze started mixing together;

It did not overheat & we are not driving it anymore.

My MB indy who looked it over today wants 1,200 to change all the fluids back drain & replace the head gasket. He said another 500 if it needs a new head.

I know I can drain the engine oil & the coolant and replace any soft hoses.

But I have never replaced the head gasket before; So any tips or DIY on this project?

Also is there anything else I need to do to make the TE roadworthy again that I haven't mentioned?
( we are also considering possibly selling it as is- the body & interior are both 9 out of 10s

Thanks!

AA

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Two words for you about it. Actually six in total, but take your pick of the choices..
1) Head Gasket..

2)Cracked head

3)Cracked Block..

It will definately, turn out to be any of these three. Most likely though, it's a head gasket, you'll be happy about that.

That's what I am thinking. Because even as it is now the engine still purrs like nothing is wrong.

I don't see how this guy can ask for 1200. just to drain replace oil & freeze & change a head gasket???

aa


...

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

seems pretty fair priced to me. Any work that has the mechanic removing the head is going to cost some good dough.

If you think its to much remove the head yourself....then youll see why it costs what it does.

Now ive read that the 260E's 300E's and TE's with the M102-M104 engine commonly have leaky headgaskets. Your dads may be one of them to have it.

Take a glance at this thread while your at it.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=100653&highlight=M104

__________________
Current:
05 E320 CDI
07 GL320 CDI
08 Sprinter
05 Dodge Cummins
01 Dodge Cummins

Previous
2004 E55 AMG
2002 C32 AMG (#2)
1995 E300
1978 300D
1987 300D
2002 C32 AMG(blown motor :[
1981 300SD
1983 300SD
1987 300SDL
2002 Jetta TDI
1996 S420
1995 S500
1993 190E 2.6
1992 190E 2.3
1985 190E 2.3 5-Speed

Yes $1200.00 is about the most fair price I can think of, for that job as well..

OK

Here is the kicker; at 105,000 mi

If it was just 1200 or 1700 to bring this nice lookin TE back to decent shape, that would be alot simpler;

but, the real problem on deciding on what to do an d how much to invest in what we do is that for the first time we got to see her up on a lift and thanks to the car comng from LI, NY the undercarraige rust is lethal.

All the brake lines & metal fuel line are caoted in rust. The suspension is rusted, where the car can't even be alligned.


So the decision is not to fix & keep the car; It is whether to fix it at all, prior to listing it on EBay as a parts car with full disclosure ; trading it in for a grand at a dealer;

or to fix it and get it running, and then list it as a running car with disclosure of the rust issues.

It is a shame that the body & the interior; seats & dash are all really nice....

SO if we put 1200 into it- we can offer it at 2,500 as a starting bid-

or if we don't fix it - start it at 1,000.


???any ideas??





...

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Oh, thats a screamin deal on a headgasket. My indy quoted me about 1800 to do the headgasket..

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

hmmmmmm.


I guess I found a good MB indy in Coral Springs, FL.

I will be taking my 300D & CD to him for a bunch of odds n ends....

Says I can bring my own new or salvaged parts or use his. He is a bit snooty or grouchy, but I think that is because he knows his stuff.


..

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Holy crap, my indy is the same way. Kinda gruff. Hes knows his ***** though. Very reasonable too. Even gives me a multicar discount.

Gotta throw this in though, he wants to buy a newer g wagen after driving ours! He loved the feel, the ride, and the power when he drove it.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Yeah I know if Idrove your G Wagen I would want one too.

I am always trolling Europe sites for an '82 or older to import , so I don't have to deal with any EPA modifications.....just that half of them are always military green or camoflage. I am still a pacifist from the 60's.......




..

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Sounds like a good car to try steelseal on (steelseal.com). I know two dealers who used it on Northstars and it worked until they did the head gasket, preparing for re-sale.

When I used to work at a caddy dealer, we used to just change out the whole motor on them, even brand new ones came right in from the factory with big problems...'NorthStar'= Junk..