99 E300 - Just had the head off - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BioPOWER · #1 11-10-2007, 04:43 PM

Well, I'm finally back in the driver's seat of the E300 after two weeks without it!

The reason it was gone?
We had our diesel mechanic take the head off to replace a stuck glowplug, which had been in there for almost a year. The car was a PITA to start when cold, belching white smoke and eventually, reluctantly, sputtering to life. We intended to have a valve job done as well, but seeing as oil consumption was practically zero (even at 173k)...and how a valve job on a 24-valve head is big $$$$...we decided it was unnecessary.

Last night we decided to leave it outside (temp got to about 45º), and I went to start it this morning. Turned the key right after the GP light went off...and it sprang to life on the first crank!

It settled immediately into a nice, smooth idle, smoother than I've heard from it in a LONG time. I'd say it's loving its like-new compression!

Other than the glowplug R&R, it's received new tires, brake pads, and shocks...winter, here we come!

TMAllison · #2 11-10-2007, 05:51 PM

Glad you got that GP out of there.

Did a machine shop remove it or the mechanic?

BioPOWER · #3 11-10-2007, 06:49 PM

The mechanic got it. Just had to drill out the threads, then tapped the whole thing out.

It looks like we'll keep the E300 running in top shape for now, instead of replacing it as originally planned....we'll see how the market plays out with all these new diesels.

autobahnauto · #4 11-10-2007, 08:03 PM

I'll use an impact gun on the glow plugs on the 606 engines. That seems to be the best way to not break them off....it sounds weird, but it works.
Having a veggie conversion on a 606 engine is asking for trouble. The engines have excessive soot problems to start and the veggie conversion just seems to carbon out the glow plugs in under 10,000 miles and make them frozen into the chamber. It isn't the thread that gets frozen, its the end of the shorted glow plug.
I've had many glow plugs seized into the head and have only had to pull two heads to get the glow plugs out.
Dave

TMAllison · #5 11-10-2007, 08:20 PM

Dave - I assume you use a very low setting and let the rat-a-tat-tat action work them loose?

My personal plan whenever one does go bad is to soak it in penetrating oil a couple of days and then use my driver drill on a lower setting to do the same and only then putting a wrench on it, if necessary.

autobahnauto · #6 11-11-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

Dave - I assume you use a very low setting and let the rat-a-tat-tat action work them loose?

My personal plan whenever one does go bad is to soak it in penetrating oil a couple of days and then use my driver drill on a lower setting to do the same and only then putting a wrench on it, if necessary.

on a 606, it's not the threads that cause the glow plug to stick. It is the buildup of carbon on the end of the plug. The impact gun gives it the jarring motion that a wrench can't do and helps break it free.
I always ream out the glow plug hole.
Dave

aklim · #7 11-11-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autobahnauto

on a 606, it's not the threads that cause the glow plug to stick. It is the buildup of carbon on the end of the plug. The impact gun gives it the jarring motion that a wrench can't do and helps break it free.
I always ream out the glow plug hole.
Dave

Not in my case though. There was little carbon when we pulled the head and the prechambers. Once they drilled the threads out it came out real easy.

Also you need to anti-seize the glow plugs.

Skid Row Joe · #8 11-11-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BioPOWER

The mechanic got it. Just had to drill out the threads, then tapped the whole thing out.

It looks like we'll keep the E300 running in top shape for now, instead of replacing it as originally planned....we'll see how the market plays out with all these new diesels.

These '98 & '99 E300TDs have a terrific turbo/engine layout. Other than my '99 POS's diesel fuel leak(s) I love the car.

You can't beat the 24-valve, straight-six engine, for longevity, economy, and value..........and the '98 & '99s are bringing the big bucks used, versus the '96-'97 non-turbos......

With Best Regards,
Skid

BioPOWER · #9 11-11-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autobahnauto

on a 606, it's not the threads that cause the glow plug to stick. It is the buildup of carbon on the end of the plug. The impact gun gives it the jarring motion that a wrench can't do and helps break it free.
I always ream out the glow plug hole.
Dave

This was also not the case with mine. All five other GPs had very little carbon buildup when removed. I remember reading somewhere that the dissimilar metals (steel GP vs. aluminum head) cause sticking if antiseize isn't used. Couple the sticking threads with a weak connection between them and the nut, and the nut will shear off, as happened for me.

I believe an excess of carbon buildup will cause the GP tip to get stuck and break off.

Again, this is what my GP looked like when the nut sheared off...

dukegrad98 · #10 11-14-2007, 11:25 AM

I was able to R&R all six of my W210 glow plugs without breaking any off. Because I'm not the original owner, I don't know how old they were. I've got a couple thousand miles on the new set now, and things are fine. With one out, the car still started pretty easily down here in my warm climate -- but after R&R, it basically leaps to life.

10k miles on miscellaneous biofuels and counting...

Cheers, John

BioPOWER · #11 11-14-2007, 07:34 PM

I was in the same boat, I think mine were originals.
Actually, my E300 was originally from Houston...bought it, flew out, drove it home.

And yes, it does leap to life now, especially after getting a new gasket and having the head "re-seated."