Ballpark estimate on head gasket 190e 2.6 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

css190e · #1 04-10-2011, 10:34 PM

Any one out there have a general idea on how much an indy should charge for a head gasket replacement? 1991, 190e, 2.6l ?
Mine is leaking oil pretty bad .I am pretty sure it is the original. leaks in the passenger corner by firewall. Any advice or does anyone know how many hours labor that the service book calls for ? Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thank you ! I definitely need to make an informed decision on this one .

ps2cho · #2 04-10-2011, 10:39 PM

I had the same issue with my 300TE....Are you 100% sure its not the valve cover?

Most places should be ~$1100 for it. If you can afford it, its WELL worth getting the head rebuilt, guides and seals and head skimmed and pressure tested.

For basic change, some info here:
http://www.w124-zone.com/articles.php?article_id=36

css190e · #3 04-10-2011, 11:22 PM

I did change the valve cover . I really was hoping that was it ,but no go, I had the head retorqued to 100ft.lbs which helped the oil loss a little but after about 2 months it came back and am losing about a quart a week if I don't drive too fast on the highway. What is the approximate cost to do the job pretty thoroughly? new valve seals, machine the head to true it up, and any other incidentals.?I know the intake could use a good cleaning etc.. Thanks Psyco, I will read the link you gave me.. Once I do this I might as well keep her for a while .. 185k well maintained . new tranny,brakes etc..... I do love her so. ($$$$)

css190e · #4 04-10-2011, 11:25 PM

Sorry Mr. ps2cyo , Didn't mean to misspell your name ... thanks again..

css190e · #5 04-10-2011, 11:26 PM

ps2cho ! sorry arrg...

silversleeves · #6 04-11-2011, 12:42 AM

If you can do it yourself, and borrow an engine hoist, the cost will be around $550 . = $250 for a gasket kit and incidental parts and fluids, and then factor in about $300 to have the head tested, skimmed and rebuilt with the valve guides and stem seals that you supplied (part of your incidentals).
Your car could be off the road anywhere from 3-14 days. At least that was my experience.

long-gone · #7 04-11-2011, 01:09 AM

The hoist isn't really necessary. I had my 15 year old daughter help me lift off the head (head w/intake attached, exhaust manifolds removed) with no problems or strain at all. I even gave her the heavy side! I put it back in by myself (just the head w/out any manifolds). Putting the manifolds back on with the head bolted down was no problem at all either, with a few components removed for access, a long extension and a swivel socket for a few of the harder bolts.
Mine was a 300E, I have a 190E 2.6 also, it looks a little tighter, but I would be surprised to find that it couldn't be done the same way.

I think ps2cho is right about where I would guess too, $1200-1500 at a GOOD indie who knows some Mercedes. Another good estimate posted above, about $550-650 in parts, and machine shop work doing it yourself.

css190e · #8 04-11-2011, 06:44 PM

Thanks for the input gentlemen. My skill level is lacking to do this particular job, plus I would probably break something and make it worse and spend more $$ and time . I guess its' time to go shopping around at a few places I know of and get some estimates. Unfortunate, but true. (Good thing the wife is out of town for a while)
Your help is appreciated!
css190E

ps2cho · #9 04-11-2011, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by css190e

Thanks for the input gentlemen. My skill level is lacking to do this particular job, plus I would probably break something and make it worse and spend more $$ and time . I guess its' time to go shopping around at a few places I know of and get some estimates. Unfortunate, but true. (Good thing the wife is out of town for a while)
Your help is appreciated!
css190E

Take my advice and don't shop around for the best price -- shop around for the best shop. You don't want morons working on these engines. They are not hondas.

Hit Man X · #10 04-12-2011, 12:19 AM

Do not do this job without having the head rebuilt.

benhogan · #11 04-12-2011, 07:55 AM

before you do anything, you have to make sure your diagnosis is correct.

do this....

Clean the area really really well....make sure all the oil is cleaned off. Use that foamy engine stuff or whatever.

Dry it off then liberally give it a good dusting of talcum power or foot powder!

start the car and wherever the leak is will reveal itself.

And you thought foot powder was only for stinky feet!

JohnM. · #12 04-12-2011, 02:01 PM

There are a good number of Benz Indy's in the Denver area, I don't have any specific recommendations though. Shop around for sure. I do agree with the 1200-1500 estimate. That should include getting the head skimmed, new stem seals, etc.

css190e · #13 04-13-2011, 10:26 PM

I have asked around and I agree that it will be a costly job. I thinking it would be wise to save a little more $$ in the next month or so and get it done right and in a timely manner. Head rebuild etc.. I am glad it is only losing oil at this time.. Perhaps John M might have a recommendation for a Indy worth their salt and that he would trust with his car in the Denver,CO area (via private message) Thanks, if time permits.
Kudos for the low down on the talc trick .. excellent!
Thanks again all, this forum has saved me a lot of money. When the vacuum modulator for the tranny died and I thought the car was really bad off . A $43.00 part and a little sweat and I was good to go. thanks for all the imput ......