124 Head Replacement
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124 Head Replacement
Hi everyone--
I have a 1989 300E that needs the heads replaced. I've bought a few repair manuals and they will be coming in the mail, but i was wondering if there was anything i should know (i.e. torque settings, etc.) before i got started.
Thank you
I have a 1989 300E that needs the heads replaced. I've bought a few repair manuals and they will be coming in the mail, but i was wondering if there was anything i should know (i.e. torque settings, etc.) before i got started.
Thank you
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From: Kentucky
500E's
everyone has recommended to me for the head to get magnafluxed and planed at a good shop. Also, I believe I read that there is a need to get the head helicoiled (sp?) for the bolts. I have just had the shop do the complete prep on the heads as recommended by the shop that does some of my work and lets me use their bays for other work (I refer lots of work to them).
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From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
Magnaflux only works on ferrous parts - won't work on aluminum. Red dye penetrant is used on aluminum to check for cracks.
The head bolts require a triple square socket bit for removal. Essentially it looks like a 12-pt torx socket. I found this tool in my local auto supply house.
Head bolts are torque-to-yield. Even though these are stretch bolts, on my M104 engine they can be reused if they aren't stretched beyond a certain limit per specification in the shop manual.
If you can't find the specifics in the repair manuals, I can dig them out for you from my W124 CD service manual.
What prompted you to do the work?
The head bolts require a triple square socket bit for removal. Essentially it looks like a 12-pt torx socket. I found this tool in my local auto supply house.
Head bolts are torque-to-yield. Even though these are stretch bolts, on my M104 engine they can be reused if they aren't stretched beyond a certain limit per specification in the shop manual.
If you can't find the specifics in the repair manuals, I can dig them out for you from my W124 CD service manual.
What prompted you to do the work?
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From: Kentucky
500E's
Good catch on the Magnafluxing. Brain did not catch that. Magnafluxing uses magnetic particles to check for very small cracks and imperfections in the head or any iron or other metal object. An aluminum head would use dye or another 'marker' source to contrast the metal to show any deviation of the metallic structure. I believe Magnifluxing has become the Kleenex of the motor world in that it now means 'check for cracks and stuff' and not its original intent although it is always best to use the right term.
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OKay, i will check into the magnafluxing. The head is ferrous, right? Not aluminum? I was told that the heads needed to be replaced, i guess its just maintenance time. However, the car itself was in a minor accident, so while we're replacing parts, we're going to fix the heads. The car rear-ended a 4X4 vehichle and went under the bumper, so the grill is all smashed in and the hood+fenders+radiator needs to be replaced. No-one was hurt though, and the car still drives and has no frame damage. Any tips for fender replacement?
I have ordered the service manuals, they should be here soon i hope. and i will look for that tool. Do you have any idea what it is called?
Thanks for your replies
I have ordered the service manuals, they should be here soon i hope. and i will look for that tool. Do you have any idea what it is called?
Thanks for your replies
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From: Kentucky
500E's
No, the head is aluminum, they will check it by a dye process to check for cracks and other imperfections. And on a 300E there is only one head. Depending on the number of miles on the car, say over 150000, you would want to look at valve guides and seals and a timing chain while you have the head off and doing other stuff. While that adds bucks, since you are in there, it makes since to do it. If the car has less than 100k, no need to do that.
For fenders, depending where you live (hopefully around a large city) go to a wreck yard and try and find a couple of fenders and hood. Grill can be found on ebay pretty cheap. Otherwise, there are parts breakers in Maryland, Oklahoma, Michigan, California, Texas, and nearly everywhere else that specialize in benz that would have the fenders and hood and will ship. Cheaper than the dealer by far.
For fenders, depending where you live (hopefully around a large city) go to a wreck yard and try and find a couple of fenders and hood. Grill can be found on ebay pretty cheap. Otherwise, there are parts breakers in Maryland, Oklahoma, Michigan, California, Texas, and nearly everywhere else that specialize in benz that would have the fenders and hood and will ship. Cheaper than the dealer by far.
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McBear-
I'm Located in Nevada, in the outskirts of reno. I was planning on searching the junkyards for parts, and if i didnt find anything good, i was going to go to sacremento, CA, i'm pretty sure they have benz junkyards.
I will check the mileage and try to plan accordingly, but i know there are more than 100k, but not sure if its 150k yet. (I think it is)
I'm Located in Nevada, in the outskirts of reno. I was planning on searching the junkyards for parts, and if i didnt find anything good, i was going to go to sacremento, CA, i'm pretty sure they have benz junkyards.
I will check the mileage and try to plan accordingly, but i know there are more than 100k, but not sure if its 150k yet. (I think it is)
