1994 C280 Head gasket and belt tensioner repair question

[tgifgemini]

Hello everyone.
My mechanic is not trustworthy so I want to be ahead of his repair cost game.

Question #1 He told me that my engine is leaking oil from the side, where you have the head gasket, and that he needs to take the engine head to a machine shop. That it is gonna cost about $300. Also, that he has to change the head gasket afterwards.

I don't understand why a machine shop is involved here and if what he is proposing is legitimate, what will be the estimated or actual cost?

Question #2 Also, what is the cost to replace the Belt tensioner?

Thanks.
tgif.

[mark cummins]

Most of the 103/104 headgasket replacements that I have done are WITHOUT any machine work to the cylinder head...tell him to use a STRAIGHT EDGE then use feeler gauges to check for damage ...has the engine been overheated?
If Not chances are the job is straight forward...NO Machine required

Yes once the head is off the gasket must be replaced

Re Current prices on parts try the shops listed here on this forum contact Phil

Labor for the tensioner is 1hour also replace the mono belt

[tgifgemini]

Mark,
thanks for the valuable information. One little hitch: my mechanic don't speak too many words of English, but he is a very good mechanic.

The engine has never overheated.

What is a STRAIGHT EDGE AND FEELER GAUGES. I don't know how to explain it to this mechanic because of English language barrier.

Finally, so, what is the labor cost to replace the the tensioner and head gasket? Is there a site where I can get this information? I live in New York.

Thanks a mil.
tgif.