1987 300se United Kingdom oiled plugs
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Joined: Sep 2007
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r129 320sl, w210 E55, w126 300se
1987 300se United Kingdom oiled plugs
Not been on this forum for a couple of years as I lent my brother my old 300se and have sold all my other Mercs. Anyway I got my 300se back with 170k on it and sold it, instantly regretted it but managed to pick up a 67k 87 model for not much more. I have been going through it sorting out electric windows, central not-locking etc etc. but the other day it felt like it was running on three cylinders. I changed the leads , then the plugs and OMG some of them were built up horribly and others closed altogether. I suspect the valve stem seals BUT at the same time I am having to top up a cup of water per day so am realy hoping its not a head gasket problem. Anyone any advice?
At the same time I am trying to source rear speakers as this has never had them fitted so the inner housing is not present.
At the same time I am trying to source rear speakers as this has never had them fitted so the inner housing is not present.
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 60
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From: Atlanta, GA
'89 300SE, '91 350SDL turbodiesel, '91 420SEL, Ford Ranger EDGE
A full cup of water a day? Either you have a leak in a hose you just don't see, or your m103 Is running on water and how awesome would that be?!
Can you take some pictures of the plugs? I had the same problems on my '89 300se.
Can you take some pictures of the plugs? I had the same problems on my '89 300se.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 46
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r129 320sl, w210 E55, w126 300se
Hi Ryan, car currently at Benz Tech a local garage having the valve stem seals done, water identified as busted water pump and having new thermostat and ancillary belt st the same time. Old plugs are in the boot (trunk) and I will photo when they are back. As a low miler I think the seals had gone and then me gunning it around has detonated the oil in the cylinders. Had a camera down the plug holes and there is black thick build up on the piston tops so its going to need an old fashioned de-coke, will try a chemical type first!
I have had more trouble with this low miler than my 170k previous 300se, all the issues are down to under use and time!
just got a lovely little used leather steering wheel which is a nice smaller size compared to the huge plastic one it replace. At the same time got the rear speaker mounts with aftermarket speakers and new front speakers, sound is now excellent. A new rubber strip for the front screen under the wipers and a new rheostat sorted out my dashboard illumination.
Next job is to source a nice set of 15 or 16 inch 15 hole flat faced alloys. The car has factory fresh mint 8 hole wheels with winter tyres on and I suspect they were a spare set that never got used.
Been reading your exploits and wish you luck on the 300 to 560 but wonder if buying a 560 would be a cheaper option ( better suspension etc etc)
regards from the UK
Nick
I have had more trouble with this low miler than my 170k previous 300se, all the issues are down to under use and time!
just got a lovely little used leather steering wheel which is a nice smaller size compared to the huge plastic one it replace. At the same time got the rear speaker mounts with aftermarket speakers and new front speakers, sound is now excellent. A new rubber strip for the front screen under the wipers and a new rheostat sorted out my dashboard illumination.
Next job is to source a nice set of 15 or 16 inch 15 hole flat faced alloys. The car has factory fresh mint 8 hole wheels with winter tyres on and I suspect they were a spare set that never got used.
Been reading your exploits and wish you luck on the 300 to 560 but wonder if buying a 560 would be a cheaper option ( better suspension etc etc)
regards from the UK
Nick
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
'89 300SE, '91 350SDL turbodiesel, '91 420SEL, Ford Ranger EDGE
Hi Ryan, car currently at Benz Tech a local garage having the valve stem seals done, water identified as busted water pump and having new thermostat and ancillary belt st the same time. Old plugs are in the boot (trunk) and I will photo when they are back. As a low miler I think the seals had gone and then me gunning it around has detonated the oil in the cylinders. Had a camera down the plug holes and there is black thick build up on the piston tops so its going to need an old fashioned de-coke, will try a chemical type first!
I have had more trouble with this low miler than my 170k previous 300se, all the issues are down to under use and time!
just got a lovely little used leather steering wheel which is a nice smaller size compared to the huge plastic one it replace. At the same time got the rear speaker mounts with aftermarket speakers and new front speakers, sound is now excellent. A new rubber strip for the front screen under the wipers and a new rheostat sorted out my dashboard illumination.
Next job is to source a nice set of 15 or 16 inch 15 hole flat faced alloys. The car has factory fresh mint 8 hole wheels with winter tyres on and I suspect they were a spare set that never got used.
Been reading your exploits and wish you luck on the 300 to 560 but wonder if buying a 560 would be a cheaper option ( better suspension etc etc)
regards from the UK
Nick
I have had more trouble with this low miler than my 170k previous 300se, all the issues are down to under use and time!
just got a lovely little used leather steering wheel which is a nice smaller size compared to the huge plastic one it replace. At the same time got the rear speaker mounts with aftermarket speakers and new front speakers, sound is now excellent. A new rubber strip for the front screen under the wipers and a new rheostat sorted out my dashboard illumination.
Next job is to source a nice set of 15 or 16 inch 15 hole flat faced alloys. The car has factory fresh mint 8 hole wheels with winter tyres on and I suspect they were a spare set that never got used.
Been reading your exploits and wish you luck on the 300 to 560 but wonder if buying a 560 would be a cheaper option ( better suspension etc etc)
regards from the UK
Nick
I bought it from him $600, knowing it was a going to be some work to get it together. After the better part of a year Ive got all running smooth(a/f ratio needs work along with a new OVP) and for a car with 250k+ miles 8 years sitting and a ****ty mechanic to boot, its running SMOOOOTH!
God it needs a rebuild and a new rear bearing!!!!
I wanted to do a motor swap with either a early model m104, a toyota in-line 6 twin turbo, a toyota v8, chevy 350 v8 or an m117.
Come to find out, Im broke! So its all a pipe dream for the 300 Merc-enstien!
Im putting that project aside for a new venture. I feel a w201 with a motor swap m104 would have more than enough energy to calm my need for fun power to weight ratios!
They are cheap here in the states and m104 motors are everywhere.
Thanks for reading my post! There isnt much activity in this forum, I wanted to boost it up! These are great cars and super motors across the board! It really is the last beauty before the modern age overusage of plastics and cheap components. I love my 'Betty' white '89 300se!
So thats where I am. A running grocery getter and a future hammer-ish 190e!
Ryan
Last edited by RyanRichter; Aug 28, 2013 at 06:14 PM. Reason: Sh*ty spelling
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
'89 300SE, '91 350SDL turbodiesel, '91 420SEL, Ford Ranger EDGE
I too dream of a mint w124 widebody with a lovely v12 heart!
I wanted to build up my 103 to a 3.6L but after looking thru the forums it seems to be cheaper per hp to just swap in a more modern motor.
Ryan
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 46
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r129 320sl, w210 E55, w126 300se
Hi Ryan,
just picked up the Merc after 4 weeks in the shop. $2000 later and she rolled out sounding great. Low miles has not helped her. valve stem seals replaced. New water pump and pipes, prop shaft rubbers and other bits and pieces. Anyway here is a shot with some wheels I put on yesterday, retro aftermarket. flash makes them look a little small but they are 17 inch with an offset of 11
Nick
just picked up the Merc after 4 weeks in the shop. $2000 later and she rolled out sounding great. Low miles has not helped her. valve stem seals replaced. New water pump and pipes, prop shaft rubbers and other bits and pieces. Anyway here is a shot with some wheels I put on yesterday, retro aftermarket. flash makes them look a little small but they are 17 inch with an offset of 11
Nick
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