M103 Cylinder head advice
 

My 300E is finally at the point (188K) where a rebuilt cylinder head is in order. Existing stems are worn, seals shot, a lifter is loose, one rocker (and maybe cam) is scuffed, etc. I've posted in the parts section for sources for a complete rebuilt head with cam, rockers, etc. so I can do a simple R+R. Other than the short water hose and a timing chain, are any other parts normally changed at the same time? Thanks!

If that is a simple R&R, you must be a better man than I.

:)

I wouldn't dream of touching this until I had thoroughly read the dozens and I mean dozens of related service tasks on the CD-ROM or the older hard copy 103 engine manual. The latter may be harder to find these days.

Going through this, you'll pick up on all of the other possibilities and become familar with special tools you might want to consider purchasing. A lot of folks get by with backyard technology. Others feel better with gadgets made specifically for given tasks. You don't need all of the MB tools outlined in the manual, but going thru it, you'll be able to figure out which ones might be best to have handy. The ones that really help out are not that expensive as special tools go.

There have been countless write-ups on 103 cyl. head removal on this forum. I would also spend a lot of time going thru the archives. Tons of good info.

If anyone has ever thoroughly documented the process from A-Z, I've yet to see it.

You may also want to consider finding a local MB machine shop and have them redo the stems/guides/grind valves/etc. This might be cheaper than buying a reman, unless you've got a cracked head.

Good luck.

If you are looking for a head that's done to limit down time my machinist does this on a fairly regular basis.. Although typically not w/ the cam etc already installed, however you could chat with him, see what he has on the shelf.

He's been machining Mercedes bits for some 25+ years and we have been dealing with him for just about as long. Nary a problem to report:)


Drop me a line if interested, blueridgemb@gmail.com
Jonathan

cam chain guides?

Tom W

Belt tensioner, very likely it's shot.

Peter

Jonathan and others, thanks for the replies. The head is going to be only one part of this. I'm investigating machine shops, also others who can supply complete head with cam and followers. Has anyone done business or heard about "Cylinder Heads International" in Texas (CHI is on the web as headsonly.com)? My local dealer states the Benz dropped their head exchange program some time ago. Thanks!

I'm looking at the same issue right now and found the following sources for both remanufactured heads and rebuilding services for Mercedes heads.

http://www.mercedesengines.net/categories.asp?cat=17

http://www.autoshoppingcenter.com/rebuiltengines/mercedeshead.html

http://www.ronscylinderheads.com/mercedes.html

Cost runs about $940 + core and shipping for a remanufactured exchange unit, or $490 for basic head inspection, cleaning, and a valve job on your head. (Extra charges for a really screwed up head with multiple bent or burnt valves, etc..)

Shipping is about $80 round trip coast to coast for ground shipment.