Please need engine help
 

I have a 85 280ce 5spd and I just blew the head gasket. I need to know what model number engine I have. The only numbers on the engine I could find d are r110 016 19 01 also there's a 17 after a Mercedes symbol. I did some digging and think it's a m110.988 but not sure. Will a head gasket made for a 81 m110988 fit my 85? Again please help I put 100miles on after 20yrs of it sitting and now it's back in the garage.

Sorry but i do not know the answer to your question; but, if it is going to sit at all with a bad head gasket, change the oil and put oil in the cylinders so it does not seize. Anti-freeze sitting in the cylinders and in the oil wreaks havoc.

Good luck, hope you get it going without a lot of trouble and expense!

The engine # is stamped into a machined flat on the top left side of the cylinder block, behind and inboard of the ignition distributor. There is a circular plug of about 1 1/4" dia. next to it. It is likely somewhat dirty, and will need to be cleaned off to read the #. The complete # will be in the form 110.9xx - 12 - xxxxxx.
The numbers that you quoted are casting numbers.
That said, all M110 head gaskets should interchange.

Ok thanks, no I plan on getting my hands dirty tomorrow actually. Thanks for helping I was at a loss especially since a euro spec car I wasn't sure if the gasket set for a the American version would work. I didn't think there was a difference. Then again didn't know if the gasket thickness might be different or something. Also does this engine have head bolts or studs and do I need to get new ones?

Ok I found the number I got 110.988 10 008 913 it's still m110. As far as gasket sets go American vs euro they should be the same right?

mbenz280ce, do yourself a favor and order a new head gasket from your local MB dealer. Have the VIN handy so they get the proper head gasket for your engine. Their parts department will know whether or not you need to replace the head bolts. If it were my car I would replace the head bolts. Be sure to chase the threads in the head to ensure they are thoroughly clean, so the head bolts stretch properly and the head gasket compresses as designed. Otherwise, you may experience a problem with the new head gasket.

Ok thanks, I ordered a set from a dealer on eBay who ran my VIN and engine number. Also decided to do the head bolts as well, it's just a good idea whether or not it's recommended. Already started tearing it down, can't wait to see what challenges lay ahead.

Make sure you get a genuine MB gasket and bolt set. It's way too much labor involved to chance it with aftermarket parts. Replacing the gasket a 2nd time would be horrible enough, but god forbid some Chinese made head bolt were to snap off inside the block.

The gaskets I put in were made by some German company reins I think. It's actually the same company who made the gaskets that were on it. I wasn't going to get cheap stuff but MB is just a little bit too expensive when it comes to just about anything with there name on it( just like any manufacturer Ford, Chrysler, etc). Seems to be good so far.

Do the job right with a genuine mercedes gasket .No other will do . Original mb part was made for the job . Take vin number to the dealers .Then you sure of it being right one .

Victor Reinz is good stuff: http://www.victorreinz.com/functions/csdownload3.aspx?id=33&org=002&key=70aee33f436526b075b976970fd387ec66b9a21c5f4edb0df8d6e9e5ca04759a

Take a look at the link below - you may find it helpful during the work that you're planning on doing. Please let us know if you have any questions; always glad to help out!

Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD(1977-1985) Technical Articles

Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD(1977-1985) Technical Articles

Never mind that the subject is a 280CE. That is just another one of those "alternative facts", that cannot be trusted, and which have no relevance.

These tech articles apply to a variety of W123 engines, not just the 300TD.