[tuttebenne]

There are a lot of opinions on which head gasket to use. Many of them are supported by information such as Mercedes Genuine has modified or strengthened the gasket in areas where they chronically leak over time.

I just purchased a Victor Reinz head gasket set for an M104 and it was around $100. It included everything needed for a head gasket replacement. The Genuine Mercedes gasket alone is $100 or so. This doubles the expense if you have to buy another head gasket set for the intake, exhaust, etc gaskets only to chuck the aftermarket head gasket in favor of using a genuine one. Even if you buy all the needed gaskets individually, it is more to manage and might end up costing the same thing with shipping.

I have looked at photos of the Genuine gasket and have gone over the Victor Reinz gasket (photo below) and I don't really see any difference. There clearly are modifications to the Reinz gasket that the Genuine gasket has as well. The original gaskets have none of the mods.

Anyone have any different observations on this

?

 

[Ben'z E320]

Are you going to use head bolts or switch to studs? I assume you are going to install it dry, meaning no gasket goo of any kind?

 

[tony1963tony]

The aftermarket head gaskets are just fine. There is nothing really magic about the OEM head gasket. Don't forget - it failed in service.

I'd have to go through my records to see what gasket sets we bought for the inline 6-cylinder but it was not OEM. Never recall having one come back, either.

 

[tuttebenne]

Are you going to use head bolts or switch to studs? I assume you are going to install it dry, meaning no gasket goo of any kind?

The original bolts measure up fine (just over 160mm and much less than 163mm) so I will use them again. I believe head studs are for masochists. And yes, dry just like the manufacturer recommends.

 

[tuttebenne]

The aftermarket head gaskets are just fine. There is nothing really magic about the OEM head gasket. Don't forget - it failed in service.

I'd have to go through my records to see what gasket sets we bought for the inline 6-cylinder but it was not OEM. Never recall having one come back, either.

The only comment I have is that the gasket that failed in service (the original one) is not the same as the replacement gaskets Mercedes or the aftermarket are selling.

 

[tony1963tony]

Yes, true. However, I have found that the aftermarket gaskets are just fine. Do as you see best.

 

[aquadump69]

My victor reinz head gasket has 30 k miles so far. No issues. I reused the headbolts.

 

[sbaert]

John (lowesguy) used the "updated" VR headgasket and it too failed. He has since gone genuine MB and the issue seems to be finally solved.

If I'm doing open heart surgery (read headgasket) then I'm sticking with genuine MB in every single case without exception.

I don't care about paying twice the price if I only have to do the job once. Call me lazy, but peace of mind is priceless.

 

[Ben'z E320]

This is what I have (Elring) because my father bought it and that’s what he intended to use. I’m leaning towards buying MB because I don’t ever want to do it again and want to stack the odds in my favor.

 

[speedn_j]

I’ve used elrin gaskets with no issue. never had a problem using victor stuff on my old chevys and jeeps.

 

[sbaert]

Elring is a supplier to MB. VR never supplied anything to MB.

 

[smart_guy]

Can't give a comprehensive response, but I have an actual experience.

I looked for MB OEM, couldn't find one, so I ended up with a V.R.

Couldn't find Elring too, but I'm honestly glad I didn't get one cuz at the time I was not aware of bad batches made in other than Germany. Had a bad experience with an o-ring seal that was made in China that I trusted because of the name. I was a green(er) horn back then.

Replacement was done ~8 years and 310k km (~193k miles) ago and it's been holding up very well since then.

I rarely hammer the car (so I do as you saw on my acceleration test) and I believe you all know how hot it gets where I live. Typical driving habit is highway at 100kmph with A/C.

The engine is a 1992 M103 and I heard its HG problem was worse than that of M104's.

 

[tuttebenne]

This is what I have (Elring) because my father bought it and that’s what he intended to use. I’m leaning towards buying MB because I don’t ever want to do it again and want to stack the odds in my favor.
View attachment 2802629

I would find an alternative to this Elring. It doesn't appear to have any improvements on it.

 

[4Matic 300TE]

The original bolts measure up fine (just over 160mm and much less than 163mm) so I will use them again. I believe head studs are for masochists. And yes, dry just like the manufacturer recommends.

WRONG. Cylinder head bolts are ALWAYS oiled otherwise you will end up with an incorrectly tightened head due to frictional torque losses. AND it will fail. Be SURE to use a calibrated torque wrench and angle gauge!!!!

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www.w124performance.com

 

[tony1963tony]

I used Elring all day long and never an issue.

 

[H20ham]

And go for dial torque, click is only for production line.

 

[4Matic 300TE]

And go for dial torque, click is only for production line.

NO. The only way is the correct way. Bolt contact surfaces oiled. Stage 1 Initial torque of 55nm (click) followed by stage 2, a 90 degree and then stage 3, another 90 degree turn

 

[4Matic 300TE]

Above is for a M104, M103 has an initial torque (click) of 70nm followed by 2 stages of 90 degree turns

 

[smart_guy]

This torque thing... When I asked the plumbe... I mean the mechanic, he said that it's not needed and getting used to it is enough. That gave nightmares for months and maybe a year even tho he gave me 6 months warranty (he and the parts shop were partners). Now it's been 8 years and 310k km. Having that said, I would still not trust that approach. I hope I don't need a cylinder head job anytime soon.

 

[sbaert]

This torque thing... When I asked the plumbe... I mean the mechanic, he said that it's not needed and getting used to it is enough.....

LMFAO. You don't take chances especially when it comes to something critical like a headgasket. Undertightened is obviously a problem, but overtightened is a even bigger problem.

Although in the plumber's defense, a torque wrench is not needed when installing a toilet.