wife ran 1995 e320 hot today
 

Looks like the radiator blew and the antifreeze is gone. See melting on rubber above radiator. Wife said there was black smoke when she got home. Does the engine need a head gasket or rebuild? Is there a test I can do?

shoot wife.Then look for used motor.

thanks for the advice. I'm probably going to be buying a minivan by chrysler group llc. sigh! darn minivans

It is based on how long she ran it after it blew. The black smoke is usually not a good sign. Should be able to find an engine out there that still has some life left:). What color is the exterior of the car?

If it will crank that is a good sign. You could then test the compression. If that is OK then you could bore scope it to see what the cylinders and walls look like. Could be destroyed. Just depends how hot it got and for how long. You have to tell people, if the oil light goes on or the temp gauge goes to red turn it off! Otherwise dead engine. Permanently dead.

The color is white? Any suggestions for used motors in atl?

Try http://car-part.com/ for engines.

The engine does turn over and starts easily. What pressure am I looking for in the cylinders?

If you're going for a 2011 Dodge minivan, they are mich improved over prior years: new engine with -get this - some attention paid to good economy, tight steering, nice interior. It's almost as much fun to drive as the old MB (when the kids aren't fighting).

Fix or part out? Since it starts can I just put on a new radiator and water pump and drive it until it dies or can't pass emissions. I assume if the rings are toast it will burn oil! I'm a busy guy. I have everything I need to the compression test. If it starts and passes the compression test I would think the cylinders look pretty good. Wouldn't I have wanted to do a bore scope before starting it?

If it passes compression test your good to go.

Should I put water in the radiator and keep it running while letting it warm up for the compression test or let it warm up dry?

I see used motors on EBay,that is the straight 6 cylinder out of S Class.

LOL!
 

Be nice!

The wife is more important than any car! LOL!

This is not an opinion shared by everyone but it is by me!

Me too with wife #2:).