560 SEC engine rebuild or replace? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mu.mu.7 · #1 06-06-2004, 06:32 PM

I have recently bought an 87 560 SEC. It seems that it might need a ring job at the very least, 'apparently' only done 98k. Would anybody reccommend going there, or would it be more economical to buy a rebuilt unit, if so would anyone know the best place (in Europe, preferably the UK) to start looking. If I do get the rings replaced, is there anything else worth replacing meanwhile?

stevebfl · #2 06-06-2004, 06:57 PM

Boy are you special, in 30 years of working on MB v8s I have never seen one that needed rings. What manner of torture did it in? I've got one customer with 750,000miles on a 420SEL. The last time we did a valve job on it near 300k ago he worried whether the bottom end was up to it. Piece of cake.

mu.mu.7 · #3 06-06-2004, 07:08 PM

I've just bought it, so I don't know what it has has been up to, no service history after '93 (completely fell in love with the car)! But this is what my local mechanic has suggested may be the problem, the symptoms being: lack of power, getting through oil, lumpy idle and black smoke under heavy acceleration. Could it just be running too rich?

stevebfl · #4 06-06-2004, 07:39 PM

Well from my experience, I can be sure of one thing, it don't need rings. If it is using oil it is through the valve guides/seals or leaking 100% of the time.

Any tech suggesting rings are the problem on that car with those symptoms doesn't work on Mercedes on a regular basis. Thats what we call a roll the dice technician. if you start by replacing everything under the hood maybe it will work right after you get a tech that knows what he is doing to set it up properly. I'd just start with that tech first.

mu.mu.7 · #5 06-06-2004, 07:48 PM

So, do you think I should replace the valve guide/ seals and my mechanic or the entire engine and my mechanic?

stevebfl · #6 06-06-2004, 08:58 PM

Start with diagnosing the running problem then evaluate how much oil you are using. If you are running poorly because you are rich the fuel will dillute the oil and it will pass through many places it shouldn't.

mu.mu.7 · #7 06-07-2004, 02:29 AM

Thanks Steve,
your advice is much appreciated!

wbain5280 · #8 06-07-2004, 03:12 AM

Running rich? Do a search on EHA. There are a few sensors, as well as the O2 sensor, that can cause a rich condition. Better check the chain stretch as well as the upper chain guides. As Steve says, pretty tough engine. Valve seals will fix the oil consumption problem.

Look at the ball joint boots for cracks or tears. The brake support arm connects the lower control arm to the chassis. Check the chassis end for a bad boot too.

Kebowers · #9 06-07-2004, 04:49 PM

start by replacing your 'mechanic'. anyone who tosses out such a flakey 'diagnosis' without any testing--he's gonna cost you lots of money along the way.

NormanB · #10 06-07-2004, 07:23 PM

Hi

If you are interested in getting someone who really knows Mercedes, will do what is necessary and will not rip you off then you can do no better than using the services of Andy Gayle.

The only downside is - he is in the West Midlands (Brum).

Have a look here linky . There is a link in the thread to his website. He is most highly regarded.

It really is worth the miles , book an appointment have a leisurely drive up and have the day out in Brum - there is lots to do - he will even get one of his chaps to run you into town. It is only a 300 odd mile round trip ( a tank of fuel) - the Americans drive that far for a hooters bar - or so I am led to believe.

You will have no regrets - and yo will get your car sorted without the flim flam you have experienced from the tosser who told you the rings have gone.

There may be nearer specialist independents but AndyG is the best.

Do it - you now it makes sense.

Regards
NormanB

mu.mu.7 · #11 06-08-2004, 06:53 AM

I will try to get up there soon! It's really great to get so much help, thanks.

mu.mu.7 · #12 06-11-2004, 01:04 AM

Here's the latest: apparently there's water in the oil, so it looks like being the head gasket. Could this be the source of all these symptoms? Also I was wondering what the best method for finding out which gasket to replace, should I get the timing chain replaced at the same time and is there any point in doing the valves on just one head. So many questions!