How much labor to install head gasket on 190D?

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02-19-2007, 02:18 AM

coadman

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How much labor to install head gasket on 190D?

I've been looking at a 1987 190D that has a leak at the head gasket. How much labor involved to replace the head gasket? The owner has been quoted a price of $750 labor from his Mercedes mechanic, plus the cost of the head gasket. I am a farmer/rancher by trade, and have a farm shop full of tools. I overhauled an engine in high school many moons ago in automechanics(lol). Could I possibly do the job myself, and save the $750 his mechanic wants for labor? I'm located in Kansas.
thanks,
coadman
Also, if I remember correctly from doing searches on this site, this 1987 has an aluminum head, yes? If so, these are prone to cracking due to heating and not cooling off before shutdown?

02-19-2007, 01:00 PM

mbz300sdl

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RE: How much labor to install head gasket on 190D?

If you are not a diesel mechainic i agree with forced

02-19-2007, 09:25 PM

AMGMercedes

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RE: How much labor to install head gasket on 190D?

Is it the 2.5L turbo diesel? If so, swipe that car and get it professionally done...by someone you can trust.

02-19-2007, 09:36 PM

coadman

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RE: How much labor to install head gasket on 190D?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: AMGMercedes

Is it the 2.5L turbo diesel? If so, swipe that car and get it professionally done...by someone you can trust.

Yes, it is the 2.5L turbo, with an automatic transmission, and 290K miles on it. He has had the car for 4 years and has receipts for all work done. Had the tranny rebuilt about a year ago, but he hasnt got it "tuned" correctly(according to him) as it acts a little doggy under 20mph. I can probably get it bought for around $2000.
thanks,
coadman

02-20-2007, 04:00 PM

Charles Munn

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RE: How much labor to install head gasket on 190D?

Before you buy, take it to a trusted pro who knows MB diesels.... It may not merely be a simple head gasket... That engine may have been overheated. If so, you could be dealing with a cracked aluminum head... big bucks!

02-23-2007, 04:43 PM

Charles Munn

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Posts: 243

RE: How much labor to install head gasket on 190D?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: coadman

I've been looking at a 1987 190D that has a leak at the head gasket. How much labor involved to replace the head gasket? The owner has been quoted a price of $750 labor from his Mercedes mechanic, plus the cost of the head gasket. I am a farmer/rancher by trade, and have a farm shop full of tools. I overhauled an engine in high school many moons ago in automechanics(lol). Could I possibly do the job myself, and save the $750 his mechanic wants for labor? I'm located in Kansas.
thanks,
coadman
Also, if I remember correctly from doing searches on this site, this 1987 has an aluminum head, yes? If so, these are prone to cracking due to heating and not cooling off before shutdown?

IMHO most farmers could easily replace any head gasket. However, I'd still be very cautious.Still, there is a dye on the market that claims it will tell you if the engine has a combustion leak. http://www.rxauto.com/blocktest.htm It'll cost you about $50.00 plus shipping, but if the owner will give you permission to test it... it will be more than worth that amount.... and if it has a combustion leak... then, IMHO, even if you are a great do it yourselfer.... I'd walk away from that potential money pit...