I need a short block....300E - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Silver Streak · #1 10-02-2004, 12:19 PM

Just got the bad news....poor head gasket claims another great engine. I need a short block...prefer factory replacement, but will look at other options.
Anyone have a good low mileage/ or rebuilt 300e engine ??

#2 10-02-2004, 04:17 PM

How did head gasket failure cause the loss of the entire engine? Typically you simply check the head for straightness and replace the head gasket.

Have a great day,

psfred · #3 10-02-2004, 09:41 PM

I was just gonna ask the same question.

Unless you really fried it (ran it til it locked up), a blown head gasket normally requires only a new one to fix the problem.

Severe overheating will crack or warp the head (so badly you can see it with the naked eye), and will destroy the pistons and cylinder walls. Very unlikely to do even that if you shut it off right away.

I guess significant amounts of coolant in the oil would do some damage, too, though....

Peter

blackmercedes · #4 10-02-2004, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psfred

I guess significant amounts of coolant in the oil would do some damage, too, though....

It's possible for the diluted oil to damage the main bearings. Silver Streak and I share our MB indie mechanic, and I trust his judgement. If Alnoor says that the bottom end has gone out, I'd say that something has happened to wreck the entire engine.

Here's the problem...

If the engine itself is shot, where to go from here? In our parts, a new engine will cost nearly $8000. That's a significant investment in a 12 year old car that's worth $12K or so repaired. There is the possibility of fixing the car to a saleable point for about $1000, and ditching it.

I do think you need to talk to Alnoor and specifically find out what needs replacing. It is rare for a head gasket failure to destroy the bottom end, and I think you'd better clarify the condition.

Silver Streak · #5 10-03-2004, 04:55 PM

Thanks for your replies / comments guys. The head gasket had shown a slight oil leak at the typical rear passenger corner for about a year ( 12000 miles)
Never got to be any larger leak / problem. I never had any "white- smoke", or rough idle / or engine running hot signs. No noticeable coolent in Oil on changing.....every 4 to 5,000 miles. I had it in for a motor mount replacement, and the tech noticed a problem in the radiator bottle....white foaming grease !!! On removal of the head, the damage was obvious...the inside 4 cylanders were worn approx 3 mils wider than the piston heads...
The cam is fine....and the tech thinks the crank will be O.K. as well. Does anyone have an accurate idea for the cost of a new short block ?

Black Mercedes...your estimate of $8,000 for a new engine...it that complete....or a short block ? and is it quite accurate ?
Many thanks for your help .

psfred · #6 10-03-2004, 05:09 PM

I suspect it will be cheaper to replace the sleeves on the four affected cylinders, get new pistons for those four, and replace the crank bearings. Unless you want to get a used engine, this should be cheaper than a rebuilt one.

Sleeves are on the order of $35 or so each, pistons I don't know about (would guess $100 or so, with rings), bearing set about $60. If the crank is good, shop costs would be only disassembly, R&R four (or all six) sleeves, and bore all six holes (maybe $50 each?) and hone to fit.

Peter

#7 10-03-2004, 07:23 PM

Peter is right. There are all sorts of alternatives that will allow you to rebuild the engine you have and will save LOTS of money as compared to a new short block.

Good luck,

blackmercedes · #8 10-03-2004, 07:40 PM

Sit down with Alnoor and go through the alternatives. I know he can come up with no shortage of scenarios that don't involve buying a new engine. Just don't give him the go ahead to "fix it" or you'll get a BIG bill. Not that Alnoor will do unrequired work, but he does have customers that just leave it up to him, and he makes things "new" for them. Not me! Well, I kinda do that with the C230, but we have a better idea of what the 190E gets and doesn't get.

I hate to see an M103 fall at such a young age.

I'll e-mail my # to you, maybe I'll buy you a coffee. Sounds like you're gonna need a shoulder...