Mark G

need advice on replacement of head gasket in my 95 e320 wagon with a 124.092 engine. Does the motor need to be removed to get the head off?timing chain need to come off? valve guide seals recommended? what else???

Kestas

The motor can stay in. The head is best removed with the intake and exhaust manifold attached. This requires some type of lifting device to get the head out safely - it is heavy.

While the head is out, clean the egr tube that runs behind the head. It is so easy to access it at this point.

Make sure the chain tensioner is removed and not reinstalled until AFTER the chain is properly in place.

Depending on the miles, you should consider having the head reconditioned by a machinist.

Once the job is done, don't be surprised if you need a new engine wiring harness. The original one has brittle insulation that will flake off from all the handling during head repair, resulting in spurious shorts. In fact, go ahead and replace the original engine wiring harness as a preventive measure.

Here's some published information you'll probably want to print out:

M104 Head Gasket Replacement

ashman

if it were me and the head was coming off, I'd have the whole head redone, all new valves and guides, and rull in a new chain and chain guides while it was all open.

Costs a bit more over just doing the gasket, but it's like having a new engine, and may as well while it is off.

Thats what I did on my car. Head gasket replacement alone was not worth it when for a little extra cash I got the whole thing redone and new chain done.

Ashman

mhorn

I agree, if you're close to 100k miles, go ahead and have the chain replaced while you're at it. Since you've already got the motor apart for the head you might as well do the chain. Here's a link to some pics of a guy who did this.

http://www.davebarnhart.com/mb300e/Photos_Repair.htm

Mark G

Thanks for real information, especially the photos!!