ken_xman

Anyone have a step by step guide for a DIY wrench to change the head gasket on the 89 300SE?

electric blue

Your gonna attemp to do this job yourself?..Whatever you do make sure you take the head to a machine shop. Buy a new waterpump and new head bolts. This is a good time to pay attention to surrounding areas of your engine. Why do you need to perform a head job on this car?

ken_xman

Its leaking in the pass side rear corner.... quite a bit. I think the cam cover is leaking also. The gasket I believe just is old brittle and shrunk. I know I can do this.... I just need direction..........

electric blue

I have instruction to do this job, i cant type them out to you thou. If you have never done this job before your gonna regret what's involved. I would seriously consider using a professional mechanic for this. If you want to suggest a way i can give you these instruction i will, maybe through a fax or email, let me know.

Jack Mitchell

Hey, electric blue

My 1990 560-Sel with 185K needs a head gasket replacement (driver side rear) currently drips about one drop per second. I have a Mazak cnc machining centre in my garage that will certainly take care of any machining requirements. I purchased a video cam-corder as well to record the disassembly in case I miss some important reassembly step.

Please email me the instructions if you would. It’s not that I am a great mechanic but I feel that my skill level would probably exceed the garage mechanics around here. This requirement was quoted to me four years ago at a range of $1400 to $1900 dollars. This fine automotive classic had been garaged for the past four years and is begging to driven once again. I have also noticed in some of the forum threads that once 200,000 miles is reached that the valve guides are likely worn and would require head replacement/rebuild – any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

amazatek@worldchat.com

Thank you for considering the help.

Regards, Jack

electric blue

Hello Jack!!!!!

I do have for you the instructions to remove the Cylinder heads from your 1990 mercedes 560sel. I only have the text without pictures. I encountered a problem with our printer and was only able to print the text. If this will be enough to help you I will email them right away.......let me know.

m117968

A that mileage your valve guides are most certainly worn, and to not replace them while the heads are off would be a false economy. Have the heads done, and have them done by someone that Specializes in MB bits.. I have had to many cars come into my shop having had machining done at the local Napa only to find their cars use more oil after the work then before.. I'm down in Atlanta and send all my bits up to a fellow in NY who has been doing MB only for 30+ years.. The extra cost of shipping is Well worth the piece of mind.. If you would like to speak w/ him, email me and I'll be glad to forward along his info.

Also, why not pick up a set of the service manual CD's?

Jonathan

Jack Mitchell

Jonathan,

I already purchased the service cd’s.
Yes please email me the New York contact that you use for head servicing. I already sourced a company in California but would prefer to either drive or ship since New York is considerably closer to home.

I know that this job will be huge, and as you pointed out, the wasted opportunity of replacing worn guides while the heads are off is exactly the guidance that I seek.

Regards, Jack

cjp69

Jack,

Have you read this article and description of a Mercedes Benz head gasket replacement? Should at least give you an idea of what you are up against.

http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic100345.html

Jack Mitchell

OK, that about does it for me - now I am terrified.
I gather it's time to shop this one out but It's difficult to choose the right vender for this task. My train of thought is to do it once and to do it properly.

Regards, Jack