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M156 head bolt problems

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Old 03-26-2014, 07:44 PM
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C63 AMG
Originally Posted by Lowflight
A small bit of coolant was found in a random oil change by smell. So the level was not low.

Yes, my guy pulled the head and found th broken bolt.

Don't know and don't know.

so you lost no coolant but 'smelled' some during a routine oil change and decided to pull the head?
no other symptoms

Last edited by Ingenieur; 03-26-2014 at 07:48 PM.
Old 03-26-2014, 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Ingenieur
so you lost no coolant but 'smelled' some during a routine oil change and decided to pull the head?
no other symptoms
Smelled it first. Then could feel it in a sample. Pulled the pan and there was a bit in the bottom. But not a huge amount. By pure luck, this only started within the last few days. That's all I know right now. What are you not understanding?
Old 03-26-2014, 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Lowflight
Smelled it first. Then could feel it in a sample. Pulled the pan and there was a bit in the bottom. But not a huge amount. By pure luck, this only started within the last few days. That's all I know right now. What are you not understanding?


how someone can discern minute quantities of coolant during an oil change

or 'feel it' when mixed with oil
in such small qtys that the coolant level did not change

and why the pan would be pulled to begin with?

and why it would settle in the bottom?

and how you could tell it 'started' since it was only discovered during the oil change

and this resulted in the heads being pulled
without a compression or leak down test
or a cooling system pressure test
etc.

apparently many things
Old 03-26-2014, 08:51 PM
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2009 SL63 AMG
Originally Posted by Ingenieur
how someone can discern minute quantities of coolant during an oil change

or 'feel it' when mixed with oil
in such small qtys that the coolant level did not change

and why the pan would be pulled to begin with?

and why it would settle in the bottom?

and how you could tell it 'started' since it was only discovered during the oil change

and this resulted in the heads being pulled
without a compression or leak down test
or a cooling system pressure test
etc.

apparently many things

Amazing isn't it? Maybe Jesus intervened
Old 03-26-2014, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Lowflight
Amazing isn't it? Maybe Jesus intervened

that's what I thought


it just seems like an extreme response based on no real data

Last edited by Ingenieur; 03-26-2014 at 08:57 PM.
Old 03-26-2014, 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Ingenieur
that's what I thought


it just seems like an extreme response based on no real data
Nah, we diagnosed it with Rainbow Skittles and unicorn farts so all was well
Old 03-26-2014, 11:22 PM
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Yup, sending out an oil sample next week...
Old 03-27-2014, 02:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Jasonoff
Yup, sending out an oil sample next week...




So by the sounds of it, would Blackstone labs let us know 100% if we would be experiencing a hold bolt failure soon just by the oil analysis? If so, I would absolutely do that every 6 months or so as it would be cheap insurance & maybe we can get a subscription "Group Buy" thing going on
Old 03-27-2014, 08:19 AM
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Originally Posted by ImportToAMG
So by the sounds of it, would Blackstone labs let us know 100% if we would be experiencing a hold bolt failure soon just by the oil analysis? If so, I would absolutely do that every 6 months or so as it would be cheap insurance & maybe we can get a subscription "Group Buy" thing going on
They could tell you if there's coolant in your oil which would be a good indication that a bolt or bolts are starting to fail.

At that point you likely won't be able to remove the bolt even if the head hasn't already snapped of.
Old 03-27-2014, 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Ingenieur
how someone can discern minute quantities of coolant during an oil change
No idea

or 'feel it' when mixed with oil
in such small qtys that the coolant level did not change
After sitting for a period, the oil and water would separate, how you would feel it, no idea

and why the pan would be pulled to begin with?
Make sure all non oil fluids are evacuated? simple oil change might leave non oil fluids in the pan.

and why it would settle in the bottom?
Physics... oil and water do not mix, or at least do not remain mixed. Eventually the oil and fluid will separate and the oil will float to the top leaving coolant at the bottom.. Come on, based on some of your engineering type posts, one would expect you to know this.

and how you could tell it 'started' since it was only discovered during the oil change
Another no idea..

and this resulted in the heads being pulled
without a compression or leak down test
or a cooling system pressure test
etc.

apparently many things
Old 03-27-2014, 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by jvanbrecht
No idea


After sitting for a period, the oil and water would separate, how you would feel it, no idea


Make sure all non oil fluids are evacuated? simple oil change might leave non oil fluids in the pan.


Physics... oil and water do not mix, or at least do not remain mixed. Eventually the oil and fluid will separate and the oil will float to the top leaving coolant at the bottom.. Come on, based on some of your engineering type posts, one would expect you to know this.


Another no idea..
There is always water in oil
By product of combustion
Condensation

Good idea to get it hot and cook it off

Blackstone reports all show some water and fuel but seldom coolant present
Old 03-27-2014, 07:37 PM
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I'm sending my oil sample to Ingenieur. Some say he can taste coolant in the oil...
Old 03-27-2014, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Lowflight
Amazing isn't it? Maybe Jesus intervened
Talk about luck!
Old 03-28-2014, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Jasonoff
I'm sending my oil sample to Ingenieur. Some say he can taste coolant in the oil...
I can tell if a car has coolant in the oil by just walking around it
Old 03-30-2014, 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Ingenieur
I can tell if a car has coolant in the oil by just walking around it
Awesome. Good for you
Old 03-31-2014, 06:42 PM
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Blackstone oil analysis report: water-none, coolant -none . All else-normal


Wifes DD, 29K miles. Oil change interval 1 year . 0W-40 Mobil 1. Oil change mileage 4k. Car run in auto only, seldom used hard . No track/drags.



OK-So with that assurance I expect a broken headbolt any time now.

Post script. Iron was the only item discussed in the Blackstone narrative with the report. While it was within the average for "this type Mercedes engine," the level seen was that of the "6700 mile" change interval. Not to worry says Blackstone, but it reminded me of the cam/lifter story.

Last edited by motoman; 04-01-2014 at 10:38 AM. Reason: Iron, clarify car mileage
Old 03-31-2014, 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by motoman
Blackstone oil analysis report: water-none, coolant -none . All else-normal


Wifes DD, 29K. Oil change interval 1 year . 0W-40 Mobil 1. Oil change mileage 4k. Car run in auto only, seldom used hard . No track/drags.



OK-So with that assurance I expect a broken headbolt any time now.
How many km/miles until they snap?
Old 04-01-2014, 10:40 AM
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Mileage at snap-unknown, I think , based upon this forum. It has been stated as early as 29K miles.
Old 04-01-2014, 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by motoman
Mileage at snap-unknown, I think , based upon this forum. It has been stated as early as 29K miles.
It was a poor attempt at a joke. Watch mine snap in spite now...
Old 04-01-2014, 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by motoman
Mileage at snap-unknown, I think , based upon this forum. It has been stated as early as 29K miles.
I think there was one (non-C63) @ 8k miles.
Old 04-01-2014, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by bhamg
I think there was one (non-C63) @ 8k miles.
That is what I also heard from a tech @ Fletcher Jones.
Old 04-02-2014, 01:13 PM
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8K miles...you guys making me feel king of reliability @ 29K miles
Old 04-04-2014, 08:27 PM
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2009 C63 AMG
This is kind of ironic, but after shelling out cash for replacing headbolts and lifters, now I am forced to put my C63 up for sale due to tough personal financial situation... Anyone wants to get a used C63 and not worry about the dreaded headbolt problem, please let me know. My loss is somebody's gain...

FS: 2009 Mercedes C63 AMG | Arctic White/Sahara Beige | OE Tune | Headbolts Replaced
Old 04-09-2014, 01:32 PM
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Woo hoo

After a few weeks I have new headbolts (mercedes redesign), new tappets and buckets as a precaution. New power steering pump and a few other things it needed. $10k later I am on the road with a bullet proof like new SL63 AMG
Old 04-13-2014, 03:24 PM
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09 c63 p30 mars red
I just got my 2009 back with updated headbolts & valve buckets replaced under my CPO warranty that was a week from expiring! I took the car in for a CEL that turned out to be a fuel pressure sensor. When I checked in the car I told the SA that I had to add coolant a couple of months ago and I was very concerned about headbolt failure. He said he had heard of it but never seen it. I told him I want the bolts checked and I wanted him to document my concern while the car was still under warranty. That night I forwarded the SA and service manager the links to the sticky about headbolts on this site and this one http://www.marcusfitzhugh.com/CLK/63.html
To my surpise he called a couple of days later and said they were going to do the upgrade under the warranty!
There is much less engine noise in the engine compartment and is running great!
I believe with all the recall hype in the news today MB doesn't want any bad press so it may be a good time to put some pressure on you dealership to get it approved by MB. Hope this helps ---
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