[W126 Coupe] Head Gasket Blown

[Axel Wulff]

Jim,

My car is a 1990 560 SEC so I can't go much newer and stay with the w126 
models.

Now would be the time for a reasonable 300HP Euro engine......



Regards,
Axel J. Wulff




>From: Jim Nowak <jjnowak_32503 at yahoo.com>
>Reply-To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>
>To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>
>Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Head Gasket Blown
>Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 13:51:03 -0800 (PST)
>
>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
> >
> >
> > The MB Coupes Website!
> > W126 SEC Mailing List
> > Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.
> >
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