560SEL Birthday Presents

[hi ho]

TJ
I read this with interest.
While on the w126 subject (and hopefully not too far off topic) - I've just bought myself a 380 w126. Beautiful condition inside and out - 153k km

I've kept the 450 - but am on the lookout (in Oz) for a good replacement engine and box (Djet)

I estimate it would take me $30+k plus to get my 116 to the same condition as the 126!
But at this stage I can't part with the old girl there is a notable difference when you sit in the 116 -   the smell and feel is different there's an old world class to the 450 that I don't get in the 380.

[oversize]

I have both for sale if you're interested.....

[john6007]

I have both forsale if you are interested

So have I, well I have the car but not tried selling the engine & tranny. 450SEL, 215,000k's. i'd guess the fuel pump died and they gave up. Sorry oversize, not trying to cut your grass.

[hi ho]

Thanks Oversize and John
I'll PM you both
Cheers

[TJ 450]

Nice looking car Hi Ho!

Is that an Aus spec 380, or a Euro? Most importantly, how's that timing chain/tensioner/guides/cam oilers?

I've progressed further with the 560, cleaning the piston crowns, block surface, and it's now ready for some reconditioned heads.

FWIW, this car was blowing clouds of blue smoke, and the culprit was loose/worn valve guides.

Tim

[hi ho]

....Is that an Aus spec 380, or a Euro? Most importantly, how's that timing chain/tensioner/guides/cam oilers?....

Is there a way of telling Aus to Euro TJ?
Regards the chains the engine runs smooth and quiet.
I showed it to a German mechanic and he mentioned that due to the way the engine sounded the timing chains weren't an issue

this car was blowing clouds of blue smoke, and the culprit was loose/worn valve guides.

May be this is what's wrong with my 116?.....

[TJ 450]

The Aus. vs. Euro differences are mainly the additional hose on the left hand side of the air cleaner leading down to the air pump, and it would have a compliance plate if it was a local car.

The high compression 380 is quite decent on paper.

As for timing chains etc, and engine noise. It's true that if the chain/tensioner is worn, you can here it clattering around for a few seconds after startup. However, anytime it is making that sort of noise it's dire straights really, as it is then slapping against those old plastic guides and it's only a matter of time before they break.

I would look at any service history and determine when it was last attended to (probably never, if it has done less than 200,000km). If the chain isn't slapping around, you could get away with replacing the guides and the tensioner as a minimum.

Looking at my 560 as an example, it needs a chain at 180,000km, as I have already heard that dreaded sound on startup.

Anyhow, that's my opinion on that. I like to replace the chains regardless if I get a car, unless I knew it was done recently. Also, it is possible some mechanics will replace the chain and not the guides... This was done on the 450SEL I had, and I got it just in time.

Tim

[s class]

On the v8's I always put in a new chain, tensioner and guides as preventative maintenance.  They usually need it desperately too. 

[hi ho]

The high compression 380 is quite decent on paper.

Does the Aussie version have the high comp engine? The performance of the little V8 is better than I thought it would be. I've found when shifting it manually it hauls really well. Likes the juice though...

Regards the chain I know where the car was serviced. I'll endeavor to find out more about the service history from them. 

[TJ 450]

The Aussie version is low compression, but I'm sure it performs OK... The 380SEL was the top model available here officially, until the 560 came on the scene.

The 380 would like to rev I'm sure.

Sounds like a good idea re; the chain.

And yes, the blue smoke issue could definitely be the valve guides. A leak down test would tell you if there are bottom end issues.

The worst looking of the bores; Most of those are superficial streaks, there are only two small score marks that are really insignificant in the scheme of things.

There are not even visible streak marks on the other bores, except #5, that has three similar to the long visible ones on #1.

The engine awaits reconditioned heads.

[s class]

Very nice.  You're a lot more experienced with the alloy engines than I am.  Can you comment on the popular 'myth' that once the heads have been removed, ALL the head bolts have to be helicoiled to avoid pulling out?

[TJ 450]

The manual states that, if any threads are damaged during removal or reassembly, then they all need to be helicoiled. Otherwise there is no need.

Luckily none of these head bolts were dirty or siezed, so the threads should be OK. I'll check before I mount the heads though of course.

Tim

[TJ 450]

I presented the heads as removed from the Japanese engine to the cylinder head reconditioning specialists.

They will, in due course, tear them down, clean and give me a quote for the works.

Being an alloy engine, I'm also going to replace the head bolts (they have a special plating to prevent seizing, and no they're not stretch bolts). They are not cheap.

Tim

[TJ 450]

The reconditioned heads were received a while back now, and are in as new condition. I just need the remaining hardware and I'm good to go, plus a place to work on the car!

On the weekend, I collected a set of Japanese copy "AMG Hammer" wheels. They are now on the car, and are 17x8" at the front, 17x9" at the rear.

The suspension is up due to being supported by blocks at the front.





Tim

[robertd]

smart looking limo Tim