oil quest
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Joined: Feb 2010
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300ce
oil quest
Was wondering what type of oil you use for your w124 gas engine? I used to use synthetic 15-50 or 20-50, but my mechanic suggested to switch to regular crude oil. The reason why? Well, my car was making a "tick,tick,tick,tick" noice,,,,found out that the cam was bad. Soo replaced the cam and all of the rockers...total damage...$2500.00!!
Last edited by koalabear; Mar 5, 2010 at 06:59 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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E
I guessed it 
The later models are bulletproof.
Up until late 89 those camshafts and rockers were made with a different material that wears over time. It is not uncommon and I am starting to see the same on my 260E. I didn't actually check on my 300TE for it when I rebuilt the head, but it makes me wonder too...
Starting in 90 onwards it uses an updated design that does not wear.
I hope that whoever did it used the updated part. Just make sure to use an oil with a zinc additive. I like Mobil1 15-40 Diesel oil. Keep oil changes between 3-5k and change it hot. You won't have any more issues going forward.
The later models are bulletproof.Up until late 89 those camshafts and rockers were made with a different material that wears over time. It is not uncommon and I am starting to see the same on my 260E. I didn't actually check on my 300TE for it when I rebuilt the head, but it makes me wonder too...
Starting in 90 onwards it uses an updated design that does not wear.
I hope that whoever did it used the updated part. Just make sure to use an oil with a zinc additive. I like Mobil1 15-40 Diesel oil. Keep oil changes between 3-5k and change it hot. You won't have any more issues going forward.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: OC SoCal
1989 300E
I haven't heard this one before. I have the 89 E, does it have the same issue? I hear a lifter like click from time to time especially at start-up.
In a head rebuild, can you get a replacement cam thats updated to the newer design?
In a head rebuild, can you get a replacement cam thats updated to the newer design?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,381
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I am not sure what the production cutoff is, but I heard it was under warranty back in those days and the team put a (yellow?) paint dot at the back of the head to signify it was done. The only way to check is to physically put off the cam and look at it.
Here are pictures of my 260E. I discovered the wear while doing my Valve Stem Seals. It's not too bad, but shows signs of wear nonetheless.
You can see the scoring on the rocker arms here:
Better image here...
It didn't help the PO did jack **** for maintenance...but what can ya do? Drives fine and when it gives up, I'll rebuild the head and do an engine swap with a good bottom end. I'll just keep everything else in check and keep her running til she blows! I don't forsee it anytime soon though otherwise I'd notice poor running condition. The diesel oil I just started using should hopefully clean up the red tarnishing that is covered all over...Might take a 4-5 changes though.
