blue smoke and consequences
 

Hi ,

I got a MB 300 E, 300E, 86, 250.000 miles. Problems that i have with this car are:

1...When starting up, sometimes wont start the first time i crank or sometimes it starts first time but die in second. then when i go again engine starts well and it never die after that.
2... When starting car especially in the morning blue smoke comes out( embarrasing). I was told by mb mechanic that probably valve seals need to be replaced. But ofcourse that would cost around 500$. I canot afford to pay this right now. I would like to know how much can it damage the engine if keep driving with blue smoke on startup. Can it clog catalyc converter. Anyway engine run satisfactory good even with that many miles, no problems so far except startup and smoke. Never changed timing chain
Does anyone have the same problems and what to do
Thanx
alex

300E
 

Alex:

How is your oil consumption? After how many miles do you have to add a quart(if at all)? I would say if your oil consumprion is low then your cat would not get damaged.

Do a search on this site for do it yourself valve stem seal replacement on your engine and check the Fastlane for tools and parts.

I have the same problem with a 300d and found directions for valve stem replacement on this site. There is a Haynes manual for your vehicle available. Or you may want to slurge for the MB manual on CD.

What do your spark plugs look like? Have you pulled them?

Some will tell you that at 250K, not only are your seals gone, but so are your guides. That's a valve job - alot more than $500.
You'd need to get the seals off to get an idea of how much guide slop there is in the head.