I want to replace the head gasket on my 300E. The car runs fine except that there was oil in coolant and I had to replace several hoses, then water started to come out between the block and head - blown- bad head gasket. I have ordered a manual, but with a short nice break in the weather, I would like to start taking it apart before I get the manual. Are ther things that I have to worry about screwing up as I dismantle it. Also I know I will need the full gasket set, but will I need to replace the head bolts ( or anything else)

Take pictures and LABEL everything in bags.

These motors also always have issues with valve guides. Take the head to a shop and get new guides installed, new valve springs, and new valve stem seals. You'll kick yourself later for not doing this. Figure $150-350 at the most.

I'd replace the head bolts.

Pick up a new belt. Maybe a fan clutch if you need. Any hoses around replace. I'd also reseal most of the intake side of things.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

New head bolts are not always necessary, but I would replace them. And yes, I would send the head into the machine shop to get the guides done. You may never have the head off again - now is the time to do it.

One other dilemma you will have is deciding whether to leave the intake manifold attached or to disconnect it first. Leaving it attached is way easier, but you will need a hoist to remove the head (it's pretty heavy with the manifold attached). If you disconnect the manifold, the head is light enough to lift yourself. Do a search - there is plenty of info here.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

I figure you could always sucker a buddy into helping pull it for a few beers.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

While you have it apart good time to do water pump depending upon mileage

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'05 Ford Escape 100,000 miles
'87 560SL 92000 miles
'89 300TE 199,000 miles
'02 Audi TT 100,000 miles
'00 Ford Excursion V-10 121000 miles
'92 Mercury Capri 100000 miles
'02 BMW 325XI 60000 miles
'92 230CE 160000
'87 BMW 535SI 160,000 miles
'93 Rinker Captiva 209
5 Kids
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