would like to replace the head gasket or replace the head on my 82 300sd. i love to wrench on stuff, but dont exactly have too much experience. so my question to you is.....
1. am i crazy for attempting this myself?
2. what will i need besides a head gasket? (extra gaskets?/ special tools?)
3. what is a good manual to get? dvds? cds? instructional videos?
4. its got 184,000 on it. should i do the timing chain?
5. am i crazy for attempting this myself?

thanks,
tom

when you go looking for the head bolt tool, look at autozone, they have the 12mm "tripple square" tool on the shelf. search here for 617 head repair or gasket change etc... use google advanced search to look this site over. the default search tool is useless.

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My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Welcome to the forum.

1. If you've got some decent wrenching skills and have replaced various alternators, starters, etc. in your past, and have about six to eight weeks to do the job without any pressure, then you're fine.

2. The gasket set includes most of the gaskets that you will need. You may consider replacing the head bolts if you cannot confirm their current elongation. You also might consider replacing the starter since it's a pleasure with the manifolds removed.

3. You need the FSM for this job.

4. Only if the elongation of the chain is excessive. Even if it's 8 degrees, there are Woodruff keys to return the camshaft to specification.

5. See #1.


I strongly encourage you to ship the head to Metric Motors if you want to ensure that the valves and guides are done properly and the head is pressure checked. They will also advise on replacement of prechambers and valves should that be necessary (probably will be with that mileage).

Well, it kinds of comes down to what is a little experience. Do you do all your own running maintenance, oil changes, brake jobs and valve adjust. Everyone has too start somewhere. If you can do those routine service jobs with ease, then I think you certainly should and could attempt the head gasket and chain replace. But now when you speak of doing a head job, no. Again, no way! Maybe on a Ford Six gasoline, but not on a Benz Diesel. To do that head right you have to find a shop that specializes in Mercedes diesel. And about the smartest thing we can do is to get it off and bring it there.

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Junqueyardjim
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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!

thanks everybody for your insights ... i will give this a shot
tom

i replaced a headgasket in two days. i didnt get any sleep and even broke off a hex bolt in the block. then the next month or so. i did a total engine swap i removed the engine from a former 1983 240d (totaled) and shoved it into my 240d Guess how long it took? three days. i slept very very slightly and anytime i did it was simply naps. this engine runs great. it was recently rebuilt you can tell by the silicone is still blue colored around the oilpan area.

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1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.

To perform all that work and reinstall the old head with the old valves and worn guides doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me unless you were not planning on keeping the vehicle long term.

The increase in performance for cold starting capability, overall fuel economy, and general engine condition is astounding with a new set of valves. Many of the difficulties affecting cold starts are eliminated completely.

Well I don't think it really seems to make sense to shell out over $1000 on a proper head rebuild either. At 184K it should go another 184K on the head as is.
You've still got a bottom end with 184K.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Now that's negligible if the engine was cared for.............

So, let me play sort of a devil's advocate here, let's say if the engine was cared for then the head should be OK to go as is, right?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

I don't believe that the valves or the guides or the prechambers will be in good shape, even if oil changes were performed on a regular basis. The wear is unavoidable.

Naturally, you can certainly reuse a head with 175K on the clock. It just won't perform anywhere near the level of a new engine. This level of performance can be obtained when the head is completely overhauled, IMHO. It's worth the money if you enjoy the vehicle and plan to keep it for a few years.

Naturally, if all you wish is for basic transportation, you might even get away without replacing the head gasket..........if the engine doesn't overheat too badly.

Personally, I need the vehicle in 100% condition. It goes on a 500 mile trip without notice and I want the associated reliablility.

I guess it all boils down to whether he wants to compromise, take a chance or avoid any risks. I'm in a similar predicament. I'd like to try to get by with spending the least money possible. I don't plan to take my 300D on any 500 mile trip. I've got far more comfortable and efficient vehicles to take such a trip. I'm want to try to prove to myself that I can get this car running and driving again for as little as possible. I won't use any parts I feel that are questionable. I've got quite a few extra mechanical parts relating to the 617 turbo diesel engine.
If on the other hand this would be their only vehicle then it should be made as reliable as possible, finances permitting.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

I wouldn't spend the money on the head either in such circumstances. Additionally, you have no cold start issues to speak of.........further mitigating the benefit of new valves.

In my case yes. My 300D is purely something I'm just sort of toying around with using my mechanical experience. Tommy2's situation is different. I'm wondering why he thinks he needs a head gasket vs head or either. Lack of experience might spell disaster in his case.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

well i know i got a head gasket or head issue because:
1 the white smoke coming out of my pipe
2 the strange disappearance of all my coolant
3 runs great on the high way but idles terribly
4 three mechanics scratching their head saying "probably a gasket or a head"

some one offered the suggestion that the coolant might be going into my turbo and creating this problem, and i will check that out..(waiting for the manuals) but my feeling is a cracked head..


any suggestions? i enjoy all the feedback i am getting..... thanks so much
t2s