Yellow98Cobra

Did a compression test on the car and the results were as followed.

Cylinders closest to firewall going towards radiator

#1 90 psi
#2 145psi
#3 210psi
#4 210psi

The car will sometimes run at 100C and today died at a stoplight. I dont see any antifreeze in the oil. Im not sure what to do. Car has 145K on odometer. I see that some of you have had headgasket problems. What was the cost of repair? Also if its not a headgasket what else could be the problem. Im REALLY new to diagnosing the MB. Take it easy on a Ford guy

Paul

mctwin2kman

Head gasket or the valve stem seals! Do you get smoke from the exhaust, burning oil? Do you see oil running down the outside of the block anywhere? If you look in the air cleaner is there oil coming out the breather tube area? If oil on the outside or smoke then most likely head gasket. If oil in the air cleaner then most likely valve stem seals, which I believe you can do with the head on in most cases. Luckily you have the M102 engine and head gasket is a little easier than the M103 if needed. Mine has 162000 miles on it and the head gasket is leaking slightly on the outside. Have not done compression check yet because I only lose about 1/2 quart every 1000-1500 miles and for now that is acceptable. Also these engines fans don't turn on til 100C so you are safe there. They can go to 120C before you need to worry really. But that compression is showing something wrong there and a leak somewhere. The valve seals get worn and leak into the valve cover causing blow by oil into the air cleaner, and of course lower compression as well. Good luck.

Yellow98Cobra

I havent had a chance to look at the air filter. There dosent seem to be any oil leaking from the block, or any smoke. I will check the oil level also. This is my GF's car and her father is trying to see what the cost of something like this would be. Trying to see if investing the $$$ into the car is worth it. Anyone have any ball park figure on what it would be if it was headgasket or valve seals? Thanks and I will post back after I check some other things.

Paul

mctwin2kman

I have seen people pay anywhere between $1000-$1800 for the head gasket and valve seats and seals all in one. While you have the head off you might as well get that done as well. Shop around and get some prices.