S-Class (W126) 1979-1991: 300 SE, 300 SEL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 420 SEL, 500 SEL, 560 SEL, 360 SEC, 500 SEC, 580 SEC, 300 SD TURBODIESEL, 300 SDL TURBO, 350 SD TURBO, 350 SDL TURBO

Where Do I start ? Engine Problems

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Old 04-02-2010, 12:21 AM
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1989 560sel
Red face 1989 420 SEL Engine Problems - Where Do I start ?

420 SEL Post 4-1-2010

Water is " pouring out from the bottom of the engine and 2 bent valves.

Short background:

recently purchased used for $900. Needed muffler. Had muffler installed.
While driving from Connectict to Georgia, engaged the cruise control and it got stuck going up a hill and reved really high from 65 to 80 mph.

Pulled car over and tried to restart. Car seemed like throttle was stuck because it was reving high still.

Ended up getting it towed to a local shop they diagnosed and told me "two valves were bent" due to Floating from high engine rev and "maybe some head damage."

Attempted to " limp " car back to GA but car conked out again after a "Pop sound almost like backfire".

After getting towed again checked fluids and saw antifreeze low.
Poured in antfreeze and noticed it was running out from the bottom of the engine as fast as I poured it in the resevoir.

Car currently in storage in Conectticut.
Is engine repairable or, should I just swap it out or, cut my losses and try to find another and part this out or scrap?

I paid $900 for it but during 2 day ordeal ending up spending another $500 just to get home. I really want to keep it though> just need to about how much am I looking at spending?

Thanks in advance.

Duane B.

Last edited by omega5; 04-02-2010 at 02:13 AM. Reason: added model# for clarity
Old 04-03-2010, 04:52 AM
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1989 300 SE
Oh man, this is really sad and we all get the stomach knot just thinking about it. I would say the engine has real profound damage. And one mechanic once told me engine work on the merciless benz engine is about as expensive as it gets. I'd ask myself: am i wealthy, and am I in love with the rest of this auto to transplant another heart into this body?
If the answer is even close to maybe no, I'd cut my losses and part-out this noble coach, as sad as it sounds. At $900, this Benz is totaled I'd say.

Did you see the dark grey Mercedes with European headlights for sale on the board for 3500 or so? There are other excellent Benz out there.

Last edited by schurmann; 04-03-2010 at 04:54 AM. Reason: specified part
Old 04-04-2010, 09:23 PM
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Thanks for your reply. I've began listings to sell the rest of the car on 2 different websites hoping I can get some of my money back this week.

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