[W126 Coupe] Head Gasket Blown

[Jim Nowak]

Go with a lower mileage used engine and have him
change the timing chain & valve stem seals.  You
should be able to get out of there for under $3,000. 
However, it would probably be cheaper in the long run
to upgrade to a new year with lower mileage.

I'm debating on upgrading to a newer year myself.  A
car just starts to get old and needs too much repair
to keep it running and looking right.  I don't like
the idea of ASR in the later model year cars but the
seats and interiors look so much nicer.   

Jim     


--- Axel Wulff <axelwulff at hotmail.com> wrote:
> I brought the car in this morning because it had
> been running a little warm 
> lately, sitting in traffic for long periods of time.
> Was going to have them 
> do the usual maintenance at the same time, brakes,
> oil change, odds and 
> ends.
> 
> When my mechanic pulled the dipstick for the oil the
> contents appeared 
> "milky" and they reckon that the head gasket is
> leaking coolant into the oil 
> and oil down the side of the engine.
> 
> Worst case scenario is $5,500 and includes:
> - New cams ($700)
> - Valve stems and guides
> - Timing chain and guides/tensioner
> - Head gasket (of course..)
> 
> 
> All in all, about $3,250 in parts ($$3,450 if I
> decide to change the water 
> pump as well) and about $2,000 in labor.
> 
> As the engine has already 200K miles on it, should I
> be looking for a 
> replacement engine instead? My mechanic called
> around and found one in 
> California with 111K on it. Installed (with new
> timing chain) it will run me 
> $4,400.
> 
> What is the better option? 200K engine with a head
> job or take the chance on 
> a 111K replacement engine?
> 
> Your inputs would be appreciated.
> 
> 
> Regards,
> Axel J. Wulff
> 
> 
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