I have decided to keep my 300e stock and replace the transmission. I'll probably just buy a reman from Mercedes since I can't find another reputable builder. Since she has 239,000 miles I guess I shouldn't ***** about a $2000 trans. I have the engine out and intend to rework the head since it was using a quart every 400 miles. The oily condition of the intake and exhaust chambers verify bad seal/guides. I was concerned about the bottom end also but the pistons are tight and there is no ridge in the cylinders. The honing scratches are still visible. I was inspecting the timing chain and cam sprocket and noticed there are no MB part numbers to be found! Surely OEM MB parts would be identified, right? I'm beginning to think she's been into before!

I would use a TBR tranny from Atlanta. I have installed many and I feel that they are better than the OE. They find pattern failures and re-engineer them to better-than stock. They also have the reman Torque converters that are high quality.

The cam sprockets don't have markings that I can remember.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Cap't I would just go with a cylinder head rebuild seeing as how the cross hatching is still visible and leave the lower end as is except for probably installing a new timing chain, guides and probably an oil pump and oil pump chain. If you need any help with anything just let me know. I am in the area every now and then visiting my parents who live nearby. In my opinion, the best automotive machine shop in the area (Macon) is Cassidy. They currently have my block, crank, pistons and connecting rods from the 240D. They allow you to supply the parts - especially on the MB's. I would recommend them for a complete cyl head rebuild.

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Jim

Update... Last night I pulled the front cover and found genuine MB rails and guides. This baby is CLEAN on the inside!! The plastic guides are worn and brittle so I think they're original. The timing and oil pump chains are stretched almost to the tensioner limits so they may be the originals also. Maybe she was still a virgin!!! Thanks for the advise guys!! Benzmac.. Does TBR do an exchange? I'm ready to get on with this!! Santa's coming and needs a way to ride!! I'm only 170 miles away so I could drive up and swap out in just a few hours.

I got ready to clean up my timing cover last night and noticed there are/were no gaskets on it at the block and oil pan mating surface. None. No trace. Not even any silicone! The only gasket was at the valve cover mating surface. Did they come from the factory sans gaskets?? Do they NEED gaskets? What's up??

Capt'n:

A very small amount of proprietary sealant is used, not enough that you would see much when you take them apart. Aftermarket sealant has been identified elsewhere on the discussion group!

Precision machining is a wonderful thing! No gaskets!

I'd replace the rails, chain, and oil pump while you have the engine out! Why wait for something to break? IP timing will return to factory setting when you change the chain when you pull it through, too!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!