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Ramesh · 02-24-2006, 11:25 AM

Hi Bill,

1. It cannot be fixed without the head being pulled. The head gasket itself is very cheap. The major cost is for the labor. Don't try anything else, like sealing it with some thing. It can be dangerous.

2. Yes, it is very common. I was driving my car for about two years with a big oil leak. At the end I have to regularly fill in oil between oil changes. So you have a long time to go. Trust this mechanic. He know his stuff and will tell you when to change the head gasket.

3. Do both the heads and also the valve jobs, fuel injectors, etc. Because you don't want to spend money again to open the head.

4. I was quoted by a mechanic for head gasket and valve work for $4500. The dealer said it is $4000. But I found a trused mechanic who charged me $3200 for head gasket, valve work, timing chain (with all accessories) and complete engine tuning.

5. I am not sure about this.

Hope this helps.

Yours,

Ramesh.

02-24-2006, 11:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ramesh BenzWorld Member Date registered: Apr 2003 Vehicle: 1990 Mercedes 560SEL Location: Baltimore Posts: 304	RE: head gasket/oil leak Hi Bill, 1. It cannot be fixed without the head being pulled. The head gasket itself is very cheap. The major cost is for the labor. Don't try anything else, like sealing it with some thing. It can be dangerous. 2. Yes, it is very common. I was driving my car for about two years with a big oil leak. At the end I have to regularly fill in oil between oil changes. So you have a long time to go. Trust this mechanic. He know his stuff and will tell you when to change the head gasket. 3. Do both the heads and also the valve jobs, fuel injectors, etc. Because you don't want to spend money again to open the head. 4. I was quoted by a mechanic for head gasket and valve work for $4500. The dealer said it is $4000. But I found a trused mechanic who charged me $3200 for head gasket, valve work, timing chain (with all accessories) and complete engine tuning. 5. I am not sure about this. Hope this helps. Yours, Ramesh.