Head Gasket/Cracked Head - 79 300D/257K miles
 

A month ago, overheated from a faulty hose clamp. Replaced coolant and clamp and it ran fine. Last week, overheated again and this time leaked some coolant/steam from right front lower radiator (when facing front of car) and when I open the hood saw oil sprayed all over the engine compartment. Had it towed to a shop, who is saying either new head gasket, or possible that plus a new head if its cracked. This repair is way over my head. Mech did say no oil in the coolant, something abt bearings and lower end being ok.

Ballpark quote to pull the head off and diagnose, up to 5 hrs at $75/hr.
Full service of the head check (machine shop), misc gaskets and repair is $1200-$1400. If it needs a new head, they said between $400-$800.

I've had this car for 4 years, with no major issues. I can't fix this one myself. Can I get some suggestions advice on if its worth it to invest $1200-$2000 to fix this, or if I should look for another $4K-$6K 300SD from 80-85 with mileage under 200K?

Happy 4th :confused:
Marty

Need more info. Where was the oil coming from? Is it possible the second overheat was caused by an air lock in the system caused by the refill from the first loss of coolant. did you burp the system after refilling it? How did you refill it? Why does the mechanic think the head gasket failed?

Sorry to hear that. I just had the same problem and am swapping engines since i had a good spare. I don't know what happened to mine, either HG or head crack. It happened quick, coolant gauge climbed fast and it puked coolant out quickly. First time car left me stranded, and it happened to be on the highway middle of nowhere during a tornado watch, nearly pitch black at 3PM.

I guess it depends on the condition of your engine whether or not it is worth fixing. The cam is a good indicator of engine wear, and previous oil consumption, running temp in warm weather. If it ran great until this happened I'd say it is worth pulling the head and taking a better look at what you are up against. Make sure it is a shop that knows (and likes) these things.

Also keep your eyes peeled for another one. Many good ones out there for reasonable money. If you prefer not to do your own work, pay more and buy a nice one, its worth it.

This is the problem with really older cars. They will have issues and usually enough of them over time that paid for garages are not a good option.

They are basically a repair them yourself item or may be too costly otherwise in general for practicallity. Or buy only the real premium lower milage examples to reduce later costs hopefully.

Sometimes a decent mechanic working from his home is a practical option. Some areas have them and some do not.

Better to pay $1200 to a local mechanic than $20,000 to a bunch of parasites in the pesthole known as Detroit.

I.E. new american car not a good idea?:confused:

79 300D...

is it pristine?

do you love the car?

can you see yourself driving the car for the next 10 years?

if you say no to any of these, I'd find a newer one, and keep an eye on everything.
you should not have to pay 4-6k on an SD...