Headbolt.. we'll see
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
Silver C63 2009
Headbolt.. we'll see
34,500 miles.
Ran out of warranty in March 2013, no extended warranty.
I'm assuming this is the infamous headbolt issue. I'll take it to an indy shop on Monday 12/9/13.
Unfortunately, I've only read 6 pages of the headbolt sticky thread. I wish it had an FAQ section in the beginning.
Questions:
1. Can I drive it safely about 20-30 miles/day for 3 days if I maintain coolant level, or will it induce more damage than necessary?
2. Still no recall, just a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)?
3. About $5,000 repair at an indy shop, correct?
Thanks in advance!
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 199
Likes: 3
From: Boston or North Carolina
2009 C63 2016 AMG GT S
Oh man, hope it's not that. I have a 2009 with 71K miles on it.. so far no issues. For 5K, you might as well send the head out to be ported while everything is off.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 381
From: Texas
10 C six trizzle
how is that even possible? Everyone tops their coolant off at the yearly service they do themselves or take to some crappy mechanic that does everything for way cheaper(for a reason), just like power steering fluid. 5k$ at an independent? wow for that kind of price might as well go to the dealer since they were actually trained to work on the cars.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,317
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S550 on order
how is that even possible? Everyone tops their coolant off at the yearly service they do themselves or take to some crappy mechanic that does everything for way cheaper(for a reason), just like power steering fluid. 5k$ at an independent? wow for that kind of price might as well go to the dealer since they were actually trained to work on the cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 19
From: Denham Springs,LA
'12 C63 Black Series, '12 ML350 BlueTech
34,500 miles.
Ran out of warranty in March 2013, no extended warranty.
I'm assuming this is the infamous headbolt issue. I'll take it to an indy shop on Monday 12/9/13.
Unfortunately, I've only read 6 pages of the headbolt sticky thread. I wish it had an FAQ section in the beginning.
Questions:
1. Can I drive it safely about 20-30 miles/day for 3 days if I maintain coolant level, or will it induce more damage than necessary?
2. Still no recall, just a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)?
3. About $5,000 repair at an indy shop, correct?
Thanks in advance!
If so well answer to question 1 is no. Get your car towed immediately for no further damaged (hydrolock)
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 42
C63 AMG
I wouldn't drive the car. If you get too much coolant in a cylinder you can hydro lock it.
Also if a head bolt pops off while running the cams will table hockey it everywhere.
That sensor is picky. Top it up. Take an oil sample and have it tested for coolant.
Also if a head bolt pops off while running the cams will table hockey it everywhere.
That sensor is picky. Top it up. Take an oil sample and have it tested for coolant.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
Silver C63 2009
I’m praying that’s the case. I’ll fill it tomorrow.
I’ll get a quote from the dealership on Monday or Tuesday, if it really is the headbolt issue
Good lookin’ out. I like the table hockey metaphor. I’ll top it off and take it to the shop on Monday
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 17
From: Toronto
2016 C63 S
Is that the first time you are seeing that message?
It could actually just be low coolant. Some shops do mix water with their coolant to stretch out the bottle, when they refill you. The water can evaporate and then on a cold morning, you coolant level could be lower.
Top it up and see if it drops. if it drops, then you take it to the shop.
If, after top-up, it doesn't drop, then delete the post and enjoy your ride.
It could actually just be low coolant. Some shops do mix water with their coolant to stretch out the bottle, when they refill you. The water can evaporate and then on a cold morning, you coolant level could be lower.
Top it up and see if it drops. if it drops, then you take it to the shop.
If, after top-up, it doesn't drop, then delete the post and enjoy your ride.
Super Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 580
Likes: 31
2010 C63
About 2-3 months ago I got the same warning - sans the white smoke. I followed the instructions in the owners manual about adding coolant and haven't seen the warning since. I have a 2010 that is in the affected engine group.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 811
Likes: 5
From: Calgary, Canada
'10 F150 FX4 SCrew. '14 S212S
I've done this twice. I have 2010. I brought it to the dealer anyway for them to check out. First time it happened was before the headbolt issue was even common knowledge.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
Silver C63 2009
Sorry for the late update. You guys are right, false alarm. The headbolt sticky made me paranoid. The CEL was because of an intake manifold gasket leak ($900 repair). The coolant light coincidentally came on at the same time. Just added some coolant. Not sure why it was low. Pressure tested it cold and hot, showed no signs of leakage. I'll delete this thread tomorrow. I just wanted to say thanks for all of the input. Still loving the beast, even more now compared to the loaner cars I drove.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 19
From: Denham Springs,LA
'12 C63 Black Series, '12 ML350 BlueTech
Sorry for the late update. You guys are right, false alarm. The headbolt sticky made me paranoid. The CEL was because of an intake manifold gasket leak ($900 repair). The coolant light coincidentally came on at the same time. Just added some coolant. Not sure why it was low. Pressure tested it cold and hot, showed no signs of leakage. I'll delete this thread tomorrow. I just wanted to say thanks for all of the input. Still loving the beast, even more now compared to the loaner cars I drove.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 302
Likes: 11
From: CA
E63 M157
Sorry for the late update. You guys are right, false alarm. The headbolt sticky made me paranoid. The CEL was because of an intake manifold gasket leak ($900 repair). The coolant light coincidentally came on at the same time. Just added some coolant. Not sure why it was low. Pressure tested it cold and hot, showed no signs of leakage. I'll delete this thread tomorrow. I just wanted to say thanks for all of the input. Still loving the beast, even more now compared to the loaner cars I drove.
Glad it wasn't a headbolt. Don't delete the thread, its a good resource.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 400
From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
Mine is a 2010 with 33K on clock. Just got my first low coolant warning. Topped it off and OK now. To your point, no system is perfectly sealed and wil need to have coolant added. My 2010 ML63 had same issue, took to dealer and had it checked and documented. That was months ago and no issues since.
Regards,
Joe
Regards,
Joe
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,026
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
Vivid Racing '09 C63 AMG
That was one hell of a coincidence. Glad it was a false alarm. At least you know what you need to look out for in case that issue really rears it's ugly head.
