M103 Oil Consumption/Head Gasket Poll - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

samdon · #31 07-15-2009, 04:10 PM

264k

Original engine, no top end work.

Uses about 2/3qt between 3k mile oil changes.

I credit constant usage, no sitting, and religious oil changes.

dynalow · #32 07-15-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

Well, since my 157K mile ' 88 300SEL is not burning any oil between the 3-4K mile intervals, what are the chances that a PO already had work done to the engine?

I'd say, speaking as a layman that after 20 years and 157k miles the odds are good a PO did some of those things. You have no signs of external leaks around the head gasket or the valve covers?
I don't think the valve seals would have lasted that long without showing a consumption problem. That was probably done, as it is a "head-on" fix and seals were prone to dry out and "leak".

lorainfurniture · #33 07-15-2009, 04:12 PM

89 300e
187,000 miles
top end rebuilt at 167,000

I went from burning about 1 quart every 500 miles to next to nothing.

Turns out that head gasket was fine, valve guides were the issue.

dennish · #34 07-15-2009, 04:33 PM

reseal of upper timing cover @ 173K Never a head gasket change

Elk · #35 07-16-2009, 02:10 AM

Year: 1990
Model: 300E
Mileage: 88,800~
Oil Consumption: NONE
Oil Leaks: NONE

Any top end work: Aside from the oil being changed well within every 3k~,
-timing cover gasket was replaced at 50K back in 2004 due to an observed leak.
-Valve Cover Gasket replaced at 75K in 2006. General Maintenance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year: 1987
Model: 300E
Mileage: Well over 250,000 Odometer Broke 5 years ago at 220k

Oil Consumption: Aprox. 1 quart every week. Drove it about 400-500 miles a week.

Oil Leaks: Timing cover leaked, Both Driver and passenger rears of the block were caked with oil. Additional traces of oil found in the coolant reservoir. ...headgasket leak...

Any top end work: None documented, doubtful if any except for the the valve cover gasket I replaced in an attempt to fix a head gasket leak

volosong · #36 07-16-2009, 04:55 PM

Year: 1989
Model: 300CE
Mileage: ~217,000
Oil Consumption: right now, none
Oil Leaks: none
Any top end work: valve guide seals

complete documented maintenance history, spotty, or non-existent?
Yes, complete maintenance documentation since new.

About every 75,000 miles, the valve guide seals need to be replaced. After replacement, the car burns less than a quart every 3,750 miles (my oil change interval). I can tell the valve guide seals need replacement because the car will start burning about a quart every 1,500 miles or so. No other top end work performed.

Nateuton · #37 11-20-2009, 06:47 PM

Mine just started leaking coolent in a rapid manner from the right rear corner. 191k on it and 51K by me. only used about a quart to quart and ahalf for every 5000 miles. I believe that the head has had work done before judging by the looks of the gaskets. Love this car.

Rob Pruijt · #38 11-21-2009, 12:11 PM

300SE 1989
New guides seals and valve seats at 130K mls (runs on LPG, hard on valves).

New seals at 300K mls.

Leaks/burns some oil 1 quart/1000mls.

Highway speeds up to 125mls/h (germany) for longer periods. At first it is a bit scary, but the engine has no problem running at 6000+ rpm for hours.

Rob

samiam44 · #39 11-21-2009, 12:57 PM

Timing cover resealing and the oil level sensor o-ring drastically reduced my consumption. At some point they changed to harder valve guide material. Ealier cars tend to wear out much quicker. Mine is an 86 @120k miles, I figure a valve job will be needed around 150-175 k miles.

lsmalley · #40 11-21-2009, 01:29 PM

I have a 1990 190E 2.6 M103 and i just posted a thread about my oil consumption issue......about 2 quarts in less than 700 miles...im gonna try out a few recommendations from our forum members and see how it all pans out.

TylerH860 · #41 11-21-2009, 05:26 PM

I was finally able to vote in my own poll since I now have a M103.

Year: 1991
Model: 300SEL
Mileage: 129k
Oil Consumption: None in the last 3k
Leaks: None
Top end work performed: New head gasket and valve guide seals in 2007

jdc1244 · #42 11-21-2009, 06:22 PM

Year:1991
Model: 300 SE
Mileage:151,000
Oil Consumption: Summer: quart every 1500 miles; winter: no oil added between 3000 mile changes.
Oil Leaks: None
Any top end work No

Complete books and service records.

Quote:

I'd say, speaking as a layman that after 20 years and 157k miles the odds are good a PO did some of those things. You have no signs of external leaks around the head gasket or the valve covers?
I don't think the valve seals would have lasted that long without showing a consumption problem. That was probably done, as it is a "head-on" fix and seals were prone to dry out and "leak".

I’m the second owner – the engine has no leaks or smoke of any kind in the exhaust. Unless the PO didn’t include the work papers with the books, no work was done on the valve seals or head gasket. The service book has records of oil changes and all other services/repairs at the proper interval with the tech’s signature and shop stamp, even if the valve seals/head gasket work papers/receipt weren’t included the tech would have made the record in the service book. And I have the original zippered case for the books including the OM, ID card, options booklets, and dealer guide.

It’s possible the PO had the work done at a non-MB shop, but why?
It's also possible the tech didn't sign off for some reason.

In any event, after four years, it’s been a strong and reliable engine.

pawoSD · #43 11-22-2009, 12:15 AM

It has now been just over 4 months and 3,200 miles or so since I had the valve stem seals replaced on my 300E......I did an oil change that very day. It has used 0 oil at all since then.....the level has not changed on the stick.....that is compared to 1 quart per 450ish miles and fouled plugs. It has needed nothing in those 4 months, and runs perfect.

Best repair ever! The engine now has just under 144k on it and doesn't leak a drop either.

Though in comparison my 617 with nearly double the miles has never had head work done aside from a timing chain/valve adjustments....and it uses less than a quart per 4000 miles (including minor drips).

#44 11-23-2009, 10:13 AM

The valve seal problem was much more common with the first year or two of the M103 production.

You did not put a selection that matched my situation best so I picked your top choice. I have NEVER had oil consumption problems with my M103 and it is now at 315,000 miles. I had a non valve seal related issue at about 176,000 miles that required head removal. I, of course, did a valve job including guides at the time.

If you buy a car that is not using oil and take care of it including frequent oil changes as well as antifreeze change every couple of years, it should serve you well.

TylerH860 · #45 11-23-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

The valve seal problem was much more common with the first year or two of the M103 production.

You did not put a selection that matched my situation best so I picked your top choice.

Looks like the bottom choice was your best one: "Top end work performed to address issue"

View Poll Results: How much oil does your M103 use?
None to minimal: unmolested top end	12	20.00%
Some: less than a quart every 1000 miles	21	35.00%
Moderate to high: More than a quart every 1000 miles	16	26.67%
Top end work performed to address issue	11	18.33%
Voters: 60. You may not vote on this poll