300te head cylinder questions... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Eliot · #1 06-06-2009, 05:25 PM

1989 300te...Head gasket is leaking...#1 lobe on cam is worn...239,000 miles... Otherwise in OK shape...do I keep or dump? Can I buy a rebuilt cylinder head and swap it myself? This way I don't have to use my head and lay the car up.
These cars are not worth too much on the market anyway, so I am leary about putting $$$ into it.

Hit Man X · #2 06-06-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eliot

1989 300te...Head gasket is leaking...#1 lobe on cam is worn...239,000 miles... Otherwise in OK shape...do I keep or dump? Can I buy a rebuilt cylinder head and swap it myself? This way I don't have to use my head and lay the car up.
These cars are not worth too much on the market anyway, so I am leary about putting $$$ into it.

Sounds like you made up your mind already to unload it.

Head gasket issues are typical of the M103 and at high miles.

Of course you can get a used head, have it rebuilt, and toss it on.

Eliot · #3 06-06-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Sounds like you made up your mind already to unload it.

Head gasket issues are typical of the M103 and at high miles.

Of course you can get a used head, have it rebuilt, and toss it on.

Nope, haven't made up my mind...I'm kinda attached to the car...I know it's quirks. If I can score a head, rebuilt at a good price, that might swing me. I am asking if there are 'head rebuilders' that are reputable, rather than using the one I have---since I need a new cam!

Hit Man X · #4 06-06-2009, 05:53 PM

I bought a used head for $30 with cam at my local parts yard, pulled it off in about 90 minutes working fast (storm was coming).

All you need for the head will be valve guides, stem seals, and valve springs. Of course this goes with lapping valves, verifying the head is true, etc. Probably can be done for $400 or less. Maybe $100 for top end gaskets plus bolts. And $500 for anything else that may arise... fan clutch, water pump, belt, radiator, etc if needed.

So is $1k or less smarter than a new vehicle? To me it is... With a used vehicle you'll be back to square one with maintenance. New you're stuck with a large outlay of cash and huge depreciation plus you want it insured for full value right??? Well that shoots up monthly outlay also.

Eliot · #5 06-06-2009, 06:20 PM

Is 250,000 on the bottom end alot? Am I looking at new bearings and rings soon? My local mechanic says that he NEVER sees the bottom end go...

Hit Man X · #6 06-06-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eliot

Is 250,000 on the bottom end alot? Am I looking at new bearings and rings soon? My local mechanic says that he NEVER sees the bottom end go...

I have about 270 on my 300sel and it runs fine with an old head and my 300se is around 267, no issues.

I haven't seen the M103 go south on the bottom end unless it was from abuse or lack of maintenance.