1990 E300 4matic Head Gasket
 

Hey all I have a family that needs my help with a bad head gasket on a 1990 E300 4 matic. Is there anything special needed to do this job (tools etc?) I know the car has not overheated it is just leaking oil badly.

It has a newer timing chain etc. Please chime in and let me know what you think or expeiences with doing it. I seen the kit here in the store section and the gaskets are priced excellent.


Thanks
Brian Felts

Other than the head bolt socket, pretty much straight forward.

Remove nut on the chain tensioner before disconnecting the cam gear so the spring won't push out on the tensioner.

are you sure its the head gasket and not the valve cover gasket?the valve cover gasket is prone to hardening and there is a half moon divet at the back where you cannot see very well.this area was leaking badly on mine.:)

They had a "pro" check it at his shop and they said the gasket was leaking in the rear. I not long ago had a 95 E-320 and thought I remembered the 103 being a problem on the rear part of the head gasket. I have not looked at it myself yet.

I did about fall out of my seat when they wanted to charge HER $2500 and I can get everything from Phil under $100 - $120


Thanks all!!!!

Brian Felts

Might also need a Pin removal tool to remove the chain rail pin/s @ the front cam cover ...One can make a basic one easy!

your 95 320 would have been a 104.these were known for headgasket weakness.the 103 not so much.i would be tempted to replace the valve cover gasket and see where this takes them.just a suggestion.friends who can save you money will always be remembered fondly:)

I am going to go have a long look at it ASAP and see where we stand. The valve cover would be a great find.


Brian

Hey all it looks like the oil is seeping from the front of the motor just under and a little in front of the #1 cyl exhaust port.....The valve cover is very clean. Is this common for a leak? She is putting a quart in the car about once a month.


Brian

What is the mileage? While you have the head of, you should consider having it reconditioned if the mileage is high.

the car has less than 110,000 miles on it. Has a new water pump and chain already on it.

IS there anything I should know about tackling this job. The job looks fairly easy. Tips with the timing chain looks to be the only real nervous spot.....any tips!!


Thanks
Brian

Hey all it looks like the oil is seeping from the front of the motor just under and a little in front of the #1 cyl exhaust port.....The valve cover is very clean. Is this common for a leak? She is putting a quart in the car about once a month.

another common point of leakage.thats an easy one.check the archives under 103 oil leaks.there are several gaskets up front easily replaced:)