I am a new Mercedes owner. Majorly enjoyed car for 2 weeks before the head gasket blew. This 86 Mercedes 300sdl is in great condition. Has 169,000 miles. Never overheaded. Records show amazing service and care has always been taken. Paid $5,500. I am a DIY'er so working on the car myself...a learn as you go endeavor! I finally found a manual and got down to the head...done a lot of reading from forums to hopefully not miss anything along the way. Carried head several miles to get head resurfaced...guy was clueless about aluminum heads so rescued it before he touched it...Trying another guy now that seems much more knowledgeable. The car was in 'storage' for a couple of years, just taken for a drive around the block and polished on occasionally. Could this 'time out' have cause the head problem? Also, is it worth keeping or will this thing be a money pit? I did a lot of research and the word was so great on these cars that I felt good about it...now I'm having serious doubts...any advice?

I think a lot of people buys these cars under the impression that they "run forever". They don't, not unless you add endless money to your maintenance reserves. Heck, a Chevrolet can be made to last "forever" if you add enough money. Right?

If you are capable of doing the on-going repairs and maintenance, and don't mind giving up your weekends, you may enjoy the relationship and gain a new hobby Only you can decide if you have the time, temperament and training to keep the car going. Ohh, the funds to do so, too.

We had an '87 SDL in our family. Got it at 30k miles and got rid of it at 240k miles and I can tell you with certainty that it cost a lot of $$$ to make it that far, AND I would classify it as a "good" car, not a car that was evil or possessed. In fact, we've had half dozen or more MBz diesels and I would classify every one of them as a "good" car...they just require regular care/feeding to keep them nice.

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

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1998 W210 diesel (wiped out by a texter)
Baum spring compressor "for rent"

I get what your saying! I have an 04 Dodge with a Cummins. Great truck. My sons and I love old classic cars, my oldest is really a Mopar guy. My wife had a 99 Suburban with the vortec engine...a fine auto, pretty much trouble free, just loved the gas station!! I traded it for a cab tractor, bought the Mercedes, it lasted two weeks and my wife is now vehicleless, although I must say, very patiently so. What you said about the Chevy lasting forever is true...we usually keep a vehicle till the wheels fall off! Just being new to the Benz, just trying to figure out which one will cost me the most to 'keep going'...do consider the fact that I have now acquired many of the specialty tools needed to work on the Benz.

Well, it sounds like you've got the right attitude to give it a go, Jeff ! Good luck.

just check the head carefully for cracks. Head gasket should not be that big a deal, although that head is heavy. Best to have a buddy with you to help lift/position it. Don't let anyone near it who doesn't deal with aluminum heads regularly.
I have an '86 SDL with the same motor. Might be time to think about replacing the chain, guides and tensioner while you are there. Maybe a new vacuum pump (ouch) if you have the original. You can do a search and learn a ton about those pumps. Good replacement is over $300.
BTW, I love my '86 300SDL (and the mid to high 20s fuel mileage).