Yesterday I started going through a 1989 300E. Cylinder head job and front suspension rebuild. Symptoms were running hotter than normal and drinking oil. Went ahead and pulled the cylinder head and started tearing the front of the engine apart to replace the front main seal and the chain guides. Since I am this close I am considering going ahead and pulling the engine for a re-ring/bearing and rear main seal. What do ya'll think. I told the owner it would take approximately 4 weekends.

I have attached a photo of what the thermostat looked like. Probably the cause of the car running hot.

You may be asking yourself what in the world this has to do with diesel discussion, well in payment for doing the work and supplying the parts the owner is going to give me an early 80's silver 300D (non-turbo). Car drives/runs good and just needs the usual stuff at it's mileage. Hard work but I consider it a good/fair swap.

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Jim