Just bought a '91 300E with blown head gasket>>
 

Hi guys, this car is cosmetically very nice, 191K miles. I paid $200 for the car, and plan to try to do the work myself. It starts up fine, just overheats quickly due to oil in the radiator. I always do my own oil changes and have also done tune-ups, brakes, etc.

Question: Is it so difficult a job that I shouldn't even consider it?

Another Question: Is there any online pictorial of how to replace the head gasket on a M103 engine?

Any help, advise, or direction would be most appreciated...

Thanks!

-Grant

I would replace the head gasket myself and do any additional work that needs to be done while I'm in there.
If you pay to have it done, then you'll probably end up buying the car at the retail price...if you get my point.

Hey even if you'd do nothing and sell only some parts, you'd already make money. Did you not forget a zero? :)

As to headgasket replacement, check this out
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M104HeadGasket

Congrats!

I thought the price was very good>>
 

No, I didn't forget a zero :) It does need a fender and a headlamp bezel, but those can be had for less than $200--and I'm pretty sure I can install them.

I will have to have the car towed next week to my place, at that point I'll post some pics...

I'm either going to get it running and sell it, or keep it and sell another car. I bookmarked that tutorial on the M104 engine, but continue to look for a tutorial on the M103.

Thanks,

-Grant

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=28059

This is but one; there are MANY to be found using SEARCH. Be sure to buy the CD for the M103 motor as well. I believe they sell it at this site.

I would also do a SEARCH for valve stem seal replacement. Lots of good head work info in some of those posts as well.

And last, but not least, there's a "DIY Links" forums here with all sorts of information.