jonS

Hi Forum,

Does anyone know if it is always neccessary to re machine the cylinder head after the headgasket has blown?
Also Is it neccessary to use the MB coolant or will any type do?

Thanks in advance

Jon.

cap'n jasper

Sorry to hear it was the headgasket
Yes, you should have the head skimmed. No point doing half a job.
Considering the very small difference in price it's worth using MB coolant.
You should also consider changing the valve stem oil seals while you're at it as they tend to fail at around this mileage.

TobyK

Well I don't know if skimming is necessary or even "doing it right." I would 100% recommend bringing the head into a machine shop and have them check it over. They can tell you if you should do anything else to the head. But if the heads in perfect order, they'll clean it up and tell you it's fine. That should only cost you $35 or so.

Kestas

It's a judgemental decision whether a head needs skimming or not. Warpage, corrosion, and indentation form the previous head gasket need to be considered. Let a good machine shop guide you.

Here in the US we have available a cheaper antifreeze called Valvoline Zerex G 05 that has been recently approved by M-B for use on their engines. The formulation is nearly identical to M-B antifreeze.

Tamara

It was recommended I have the head reconditioned because the head gasket was bad which was discovered because of an overheating problem....AND they sent the radiator to be "rodded out" too. Here in Phoenix, that work came in at 2300.00. Oh and of course that included a valve job which was nice because I needed that anyway. Here's something tho-the tech said the labor should have been charged at 10 hours on a 300e because it doesn't have all the same components as the other W124s but the book says 14. You may be able to save 4 hours labor. Just relating my experience-don't know if it pertains but good luck!

Arnie

I had my E320 head gasket replaced about 2 months ago. I took the head to a machine shop and they did an excellent job cleaning it and shaving couple of microns off. Also, I strongly reccomend replacing the valve stem seals, they are cheap. If you want to do the gasket job yourself, you can find parts at mercedes_parts_online.com Good prices, good inventory, good service. My brother and I did the whole thing in about 10 hrs.

Good luck.

chicago124

Hi,

Have the valve job done while the head is off. The real cost is in the labor, not the parts for this job. The machine shop will check the head for any warpage.

Use either of the approved anti-freezes.

Just went through this and the results were great.

Good luck,

chicago124
1990 300E 135k