[JBurdon1270]

Of course any head gasket replacement is a total biatch, but just wondering how difficult it is on a C280. I may be buying or trading my 78 300D for one that supposedly has a blown head gasket. The owner doesn't really know for sure if that's the case, he's no mechanic, but he says it blows white smoke like crazy which tells me he's probably right. No oil and coolant mixing and it's taking a little longer to start, probably due to low compression from the bad HG...

Just wondering how tough the replacement is going to be if I decide to get it. I know my way around the engine bay, just have never worked on a W202.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, going to look at it tomorrow.:thumbsup:

 

[bmeister]

It may be more cost effective to pull/replace the engine in the long run due to other internal wear. If you are to leave the current engine in you would be looking at or should have the cylinder head re-machined. There are some engine shops that will sell a remanufactured engine with a warranty if your funds permit or there is the bone yard as well.
Pulling the engine as you know requires some handy shop tools, I am not questioning your ability but when your doing something major like the HG you want it done right. Metafly may be able to give some pointers on engine removal if you decide to dive in. Guess it all depends on how much they want and what your willing to spend at this point, you may want to reconsider the purchase and look elsewhere, best of luck.
B

 

[BenzMaster19]

Considering the amount of C280's out there, I would pass and look for one in good mechanical order.

 

[billabongo]

I have to agree with BenzMaster19.

I see no reason to buy a C series with something that major in question, unless it was nearly free.

If it runs and can have a PPI done that's one thing, if it don't then run and run fast!

These cars are plentiful and cheap to acquire in nice condition.

 

[jlomon]

The head gasket job on an M104 isn't the worst in the world. Inline engines are pretty easy to work on. There is a good write-up on the job here:

PeachPartsWiki: Head Gasket Replacement

The thing to worry about with the head gasket job is actually the wiring harnes. If you have one of the brittle harnesses, with the insulation falling apart, you might just wreck the harness when you remove it to do the head gasket job. I think a harness will cost you something like $900, just for the part.

Any 15 year old car you are going to buy is going to have issues, including engine wear. If you're a handy guy with the wrenches, then a head gasket is only going to cost you some minor parts and then your own time. That's not a lot of investment. A wiring harness is a major investment, especially considering that car isnt' worth any more than $4-5K if it was perfect.

My advice would be to have a PPI done by a qualified MB specialist. Find out what other hidden expenses await you (like the lower control arm bushings, for example) and have them try and verify the condition of the wiring harness. If everything else is good, you might be able to pick up a good deal and only have to invest a few hundred dollars plus your time to do the head gasket.

 

[JBurdon1270]

In regards to an engine replacement that's not really an option. And yes, the car is practically free at $500, mint interior and the exterior is really nice too. The wiring harness was replaced immediately after the current owner bought the car.

 

[BenzMaster19]

For $500 bucks you might aswell go for it! especially if the Interior and exterior are in great shape, you really can't go wrong here...

 

[Pringles21]

Dang for $500 i would go for it. Do the work your self and you will be alright. It would be a nice weekend project.

 

[JBurdon1270]

It has 190k on it but I'm not too worried, I should be able to get $500 worth of driving in right? It's mostly a novelty issue because my W123 is a very similar color combo and I'd like to own the old and new versions of the C class.

Now if I could get him to return my calls now that I'm sure I want it...

 

[jlomon]

If for any reason you couldn't fix the head gasket, you could part that car out for way more than $500. If the wiring harness is as new as you say, you could get your money back with that part all by itself.

 

[JBurdon1270]

If for any reason you couldn't fix the head gasket, you could part that car out for way more than $500. If the wiring harness is as new as you say, you could get your money back with that part all by itself.

That's what I figured, the interior alone would cover the expense. I may be trading my 78 300D for it if I don't just pay cash but we'll see. I have yet to do a compression test on this w202, I know it's going to be low but it's doubtful that it would be on all 6 cylinders unless the head bolts loosened up, the head warped or someone really beat this car to death. If there's excessive wear I'm walking away but if not I'm going for it.

For some reason all my tasteless friends don't like taking my old diesel out to the bar

 

[BenzMaster19]

That's what I figured, the interior alone would cover the expense. I may be trading my 78 300D for it if I don't just pay cash but we'll see. I have yet to do a compression test on this w202, I know it's going to be low but it's doubtful that it would be on all 6 cylinders unless the head bolts loosened up, the head warped or someone really beat this car to death. If there's excessive wear I'm walking away but if not I'm going for it.

For some reason all my tasteless friends don't like taking my old diesel out to the bar

That engine could have been Overheated aswell sometime in it's life....

 

[dravera]

I work as a mercedes mechanic. I have done alot of these head gaskets on this engine. If you have any questions about doing this head gasket let me know.