[SonderSteve]

Hello fello enthusiasts .. I have a 1973 280SE with the M130 engine .. It Developed a Dry compression leak out of the passenger side of the head gasket .
I rolled engine over to TDC of #1 cyl and verified cam lined up to pointer on bearing cap before pulling the cylinder head off .. I’ve reassembled the engine , taking great care to ensue nothing turned for ease of assembly . I was surprised when I tried to start it as it appears to have little to no compression . I dribbled some oil in each cylinder to see if that would help but it has not . I’ve pulled the valve cover twice now to ensure correct align and it is fine . I’ve looked at cam lobe position as I roll it over by hand and it seems fine as well . I’ve seen in online discussions that the M130 has had many upgrades and changes during its production life . I’ve used an aftermarket gasket which seemed fine but I wonder . This engine despite having a compression leak ran fine before I disassembled it .. It rolls over like there’s no spark plugs in it ..
Ideas?
Much appreciated
Steve

 

[rumb]

Did you just replace the head gasket or do other work? Torqued head bolts to spec? It sounds like you have lined up the cam marks and the crank mark. Have you adjusted the valves? How about a compression test?

 

[SonderSteve]

although I wouldn’t normally ask this question about another engine , is a valve lash adjustment recommended ? I did the ole put your thumb over the plug hole and crank her over , you can usually tell a viable cylinder lol .. I will take compression readings ..

 

[Benz Dr.]

Keep in mind that there are early and late M 130 engines with very different parts in each engine that may look the same but are not the same. Valve lash should be .003 '' and .007 '' for the intake and exhaust valves. No compression means no start.

 

[SonderSteve]

Did you just replace the head gasket or do other work? Torqued head bolts to spec? It sounds like you have lined up the cam marks and the crank mark. Have you adjusted the valves? How about a compression test?

I’m gonna do a proper compression check in the AM and I’m not optimistic..