m103 block crack info?
 

As has been discussed before, I'm pretty sure I have a broken head gasket on my m103 300E. Just the other day, I noticed that there was a constant drip of water from the rear passengers side of the block. Seems to be coming from where the head meets the block.

Just out of curiosity though, what is the probability of running into a crack in the block when it comes time for the head gasket? Coolant loss is progressively getting worst, so I assume its a result of the deteriorating head gasket (head gasket kit is in the mail, along with valve stems seals and other parts needed for the job as we speak). When it comes to cracks in the block, is there a certain set of circumstances (like engine overheating?) or can it happen randomly?

Edit: I'm probably being a hypochondriac, but oh well.

i think you would have to subject engine to hard freeze with only plain tap water in it [no antifreeze] for the block to crack.water leak from block likely to be freeze plug,but it's probably the head gasket.

I agree with david.

Tom W

Thanks for the info - that successfully allays my fears as there has never been more than 50% water in the mix, maybe more anti-freeze as I continually added it over the last month or so.

even if it was overheated - the block is pretty durable and can take a lot of abuse. I had one last year that had overheated to the point where it had warped the head and was at the point where it couldn't even be started anymore. Fixed the head, did a valve job and you'd never know it was ever like that after driving that car now.

Thats awesome that it can take so much punishment - to my knowledge it has never been overheated and actually, the car goes home tomorrow to be dropped off at the shop to have the head gasket done. Hopefully a week after that all but the smallest problems will have been worked out.