Head Gasket Job Preperation - Advice - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

jonbobshinigin · 11-17-2009, 08:34 AM

Ok, I just purchased a great condition 1993 190E 2.3 with 104,000 Miles on it for $675. The head gasket IS blown and they discovered this by the vehicle overheating. The owners are car savvy and are used to watching gauges so they quickly shut her off.

I and fairly mechanically inclined, but young and inexperienced. I am looking to do the head myself with the help of a friend and 30 years benz mechanic if I get stuck. The Benz mechanic is someone I can call if I really need him. He is more of a last resort though. There is no rush on the job because I have another vehicle and I have adequate shop space to store it while working on it.

I am all for doing it right, so since I am in there, I want to go ahead and replace anything necessary or preventative. Timing chain, valve guides, etc. I am used to working on my Diesel 123 and 124, but even with those I have very little experience with the guts of the engine.

If you guys don't mind, please list some things I should Definitely do while I am in there, and list some things I should Consider doing/checking as well. Also, if you have any links to guides for the job, that would be awesome too. I plan on taking some pictures and doing a writeup on the job.

Thanks!!

drewprof · 11-17-2009, 08:37 AM

It's an easy job! Just make sure you have a place to take the head to be honed and the valves seated. You can go to my stalling thread and see how I did the head and the mistakes I made.

NYTM89 · 11-17-2009, 08:39 AM

i can tell you right off the bat is to make sure that while your fixing the head gaskets, check other gaskets as well, to save yourself the headache, when you decide to replace the gaskets, clean them very well so then the gaskets can be placed on perfectly and will have a perfect seal to prevent any leaks and etc.

drewprof · 11-17-2009, 08:43 AM

Most gaskets come as a kit for the head, intake, exhaust and thermostat. The biggest challenge is finding out that you need a new chain and making sure you feed in properly. Depending on how much wear you have in the head in terms of valve guide stems the job may require replacement of the stems by a machinist that has the proper press.

jonbobshinigin · 11-17-2009, 09:08 AM

Will I need to remove or change anything with the chain before I get to the part where I can change the head gasket? Ideally, I would strip it down to where I am ready to replace gaskets, and have my benz guy come inspect chain while the head is being checked/machined.

PS - I am skimming your Stalling post and goodness, you are a man of perseverance!! Good job.

drewprof · 11-17-2009, 10:07 AM

If the chain is in good shape and so are the guides then I would just leave in the sprocket and just move the latter out off the way (disconnect the sprocket from the camshaft).

slk230red · 11-17-2009, 04:26 PM

I replaced the head gasket on my '93 2.3 over 2 years ago. Here's a few tips.

My link:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w201...ad-gasket.html

1. To remove the head bolts, you have to use a 12mm Serrated Wrench, it's a 12 point (triple square) that you can use with a 1/2 '' socket. This worked out great with my 1/2'' drive breaker bar and a 1/2'' 6 point impact wrench socket. I taped it up so it wouldn't fall out.

Just for the record, I purchased this part at NAPA, part #SER2306 for $7.09 + tax.

2. To remove the 2 Timing Chain Guide Pins, I used an old tensioner adjustment bolt that screws into the pin, along with a socket, washers, and a nut to tighten up so the pins would come out.
Make sure the socket is large enough so the head of the pin can fit inside.

3. While you have the intake out of the way, this would be a good time to replace the Engine Mounts if they need replaced.

Good luck,

Dave

Completed Pictures

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drewprof · 11-17-2009, 04:41 PM

Here is a slide show of my attempt

jonbobshinigin · 11-17-2009, 06:15 PM

So...can I take that as an offer to come up to Ocala and help me with the serious part?

slk230red · 11-17-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbobshinigin

So...can I take that as an offer to come up to Ocala and help me with the serious part?

I didn't notice where you were located when I posted. If you have the tools and patience, then you should be ok. Be very methodical and label your connectors. Also, remove the temperature switches and sensors before removing the head...they can easily be broken.
I did mine in August....ugh! it was hot so at least you're doing it during cooler weather.