Ok, My 300SE is burning some oil. I am interested in rebuilding the engine, but have a few questions:

1) can this be done in-car or do I have to pull the engine
2) are there any kits
3) anything else I need to be warare of, gotchas and so forth. I have rebuild american and jap car engines before so I am familar but this car seems to be a beast of a different color when I least expect it

Thanks,

Tony

"Burning oil" does not mean the engine needs to be rebuilt. The most common cause of oil consumption is valve seals. Have they ever been replaced?

What is the odometer reading?

What are the compression or leak down numbers?

Duke

big job, not a weekend job, if it was my car I would first put synthetic oil in and possible valve seal covers before taking entire engine apart, these engines go up to 200,000 before needing overhaul, need more info

__________________
Jerry

2004 SL500 Black 55K Miles
2002 s500 Black 90K Miles
1986 300E Gold 233K Miles
1966 Twin Cessna 320D
1989 Jeep Cherokee 233K Miles
1994 Ford Van E150 399K Miles

car has over 220,000 miles. I have not had the time to check compression; however, I am almost certain that I have a cylinder that is loosing compression. I will be chekcing that in a couple weeks as time will allow then. in the mean time, the usage for the car is minimal most days only take kids to school and pick up. go to dinner etc.

Weather it needs rebuilding now or in the future, I am interested in what is involved. like can it be done in-car, are there any kits similar to what you get for an american car, etc.

Tony

You can replace the valve stem seals without removing the cylinder head. You can remove the cylinder head easily 'in-car'. A complete rebuild (bearings,rings) requires engine removal--which is not very difficult. The hood opens up vertical. You are better off to remove the engine and transmission together and separate them out of the car.

Rent a portable engine crane (they are made to slip apart for easy transport) from your nearby tool rental place. cost meybe $50 for a day. Buy or rent a good engine stand to bolt the engine on to facilitate the work. It will allow you to rotate the engine so you can get to the 'bottom' bolts easily and see things clearly. You will quickly appreciate the time savings and safety aspects of using the stand--not to mention the cleanliness factor.

Good advice there from Kebowers. You're at the stage where you really need to evaluate the cost/benefit. Assuming you confirm that the engine needs a rebuild, you'll want to pull it so that you can replace ALL the gaskets and take care of all the other dirty, worn, and/or worn parts. Even doing everything yourself, I'm going to guess you'll spend a minimum $1500. How long do you plan to keep the car? Contrary to the 'Mr. Practical' approach, I like doing that stuff and the personal satisfaction of such a project often trumps some of the other considerations (price, effort, etc.). My usual program is to get my ride just about where I like it, then sell!

Have fun!

Thanks Kebowers and 90mbenz,

That was what I figured on was that I would have to remove the engine. I have a good workshop that I can use, and do it at my leisure as it were.

As far as practicallity (SP?) of rebuilding the engine, I am still evaluating that. I am strongly considering an older diesel with a grease conversion. About to convert my F350 to grease to reduce fuel costs. I drive about 120 miles round trip a day so fuel cost is a big concern.

I will begin evaluating in about 2 weeks once I get completly moved and get myself and the car where I can get to the shop in the evenings.

Tony