Head gasket?

[t28mrs]

Hi...my 1989 230te (4-cylinder non injection/no aircon) auto has just stated to use alot of coolant and blows whitish smoke out the exhaust (a little at idle and a bit more when accelerating). The oil is not milky and was changed about a month ago (been to wales from london since) and I get perfect oil pressure.The car hasnt suffered any performance loss or excessive fuel consumption and the water temperature doesnt rise above normal!....Its only done about 105,000 miles which im told is nothing for a w124..is this head gasket or something else?? All advice very welcome..Cheers

 

[Ian B Walker]

Look in the coolant expansion tank, can you see any oil in there?

Remove the spark plugs when the engine is cold, are they wet?

Given your description I would bet the gasket has gone. 8 hour job to change. (thats Mb talk for " get your wallet out") Quickest I have managed is 6 hours start to finish.

 

[50sflash]

Hi I think you will find it is the head gasket as I have done this job so many times, be prepared to find that there might be some alloy corrosion on the head around number four cylinder, we find this most of the time,and repair by alloy weld & reface, If you have any M/B specialist nearby they should know about this very common fault.

Regards 50sflash

 

[t28mrs]

Many thanks...I kinda hoped it would be something simple (and cheaper!). Typical! Oh well looks like xmas lunch is gonna be onion soup without the onions! What sort of a job is a head gasket to do DIY?

 

[Ian B Walker]

Its not that difficult really. I did a 190 gasket change a couple of years ago in the drive. The only problem I can foresee is the guide rail pin in the head, which can be a real barsteward. Also get a friend to help you lift the head and replace it as there are two studs in the block that have to line up with two corresponding holes in the head. You dont want to gouge the head after all that work. Should take about 6 to 8 hours if you work methodically. Tip take the inlet manifold off the head rather than leaving it attached. Also When you have the head off replace all the exhaust manifold studs as they have a habit of snapping at the most inapropriate times.

 

[t28mrs]

Thank you...I just bought a haynes manual and have had a good read...Oh well here go's........