Benzmac. Finally got the head off the '89 300e.(One day of warm weather). Looks as if the head gasket blew between 2 3 and 4. Also 4 looks as if it blew into the water jacket and oil galley. Such a mess!!!
Question, do you know if this is the usual sort of pattern for blowout, i.e. middle cylinders in the nest? Also, when removing the head bolts, the center four came out real easy. To me this indicates stretch. Am I on target here? The local machine shop (they do a lot of foreign and aluminum heads) told me they don't bake the heads to straighten anymore. They mill them as long as the deck height removed does not exceed 3 to 7 thousanths, otherwise, it's a new head.. Any thoughts??
Thanks

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

Blow-out between cylinders may very well be caused by a warped head. Be sure to replace the head bolts anytime you remove and install a head.

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ASE Master Technician, Lead Technician for Deutsch American Inc. Over 6 years of Import experience-specializing in German Automobiles.

Be sure to have it checked for trueness. I have had good luck with the bake, then cut routine on warped heads. Just remove the cam and when done have the bores checked for proper alignment. What we do is to bolt the head down a thousanth or two in the other direction and bake it. Then when it comes back out of the oven, it may spring into place.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Benzmac, do you folks sell the valve guides for this head (300e m103)? I put in a parts request and am still waiting. Thanks

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

We sell the valve guides, seals, gaskets, head bolts, etc.
Lee is working on your inquiry as I type this and will followup with you via e-mail.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC