560 SEL top end engine rebuild

[24karrat]

Can anyone recommend a MB specialist to rebuild a 560 sel top end engine around west midlands? & any idea where i can source gaskets, are sourcing parts i.e gaskets, going to be tough?

 

[jibcl500]

Mercedes will have all parts either at dealer, milton keynes or from Germany.

Why a top end rebuild, whats the problem??

jib

 

[C43AMG]

There are a few 560SEC experts on the Forum who will be able to help you. They will be along soon.

 

[carat 3.6]

Just make sure that whoever does the job is aware of the head bolt issue on these, they have a nasty habit of pulling the thread out of the block when torquing them down.

There is a jig available to aid with re-drilling and helicoiling the affected threads though.

 

[jaymanek]

Whats wrong with it? May be cheaper to replace the engine?

 

[C43AMG]

Jay is the 560 guru

 

[24karrat]

Thanks for the reply guys, really appreciate the support, to give you a better idea I will get some engine pics uploaded over the bank holiday, but for now its a 1989 560 SEL AMG gen3 ,the engine idles fine,not rough & revs smooth too with the sound of the original amg exhaust.

A. On idle the oil pressure is at 2 until accelerator is pressed it then shoots to 3
B. The engine temp starts at 30-40 then stays at 50 even after a short run, tops 80 but radiator is hot once left to cool
C. Left hand side of the engine tappets is noticeable when my ears near the engine, right hand side is fine
D. Residue around left manifold, slight oil leak i presume, but right hand side fine no residues.
E. During heavy acceleration small puff of blue smoke during cruise its fine
F. Cam shaft looks fine when oil cap is off & oil is clean
G. Sump has oil around gasket
H. No rust, jus one or two small spots but minor

I'm in no rush until i can find the right people & price for the job, a compression test would be needed to, don't think it will pass mot emissions test yet though.

@Jay- i was thinking the same it might be "easier" just to swap engine if i can source a decent one, would you agree to get the original engine opened up to access the engine wear first or just opt for a second hand engine from the get go?

 

[spanner]

It's very unusual for there to be any cylinder wear on one of these engines but valve guide wear is a given. Rocker gasket leaks are fairly common which will account for your "residue" on the exhaust manifold.
Oil leaks from the sump are unusual.
Block threads are an easy drama to deal with for someone who's done hundreds of them.
Noisy tappets should be investigated using a special lifter height measuring tool.
Oil pressure at 2 bar at idle is fine as long as it goes straight to 3 when rpm increased.
Heads overhaul by an experienced professional would be 2 to 2.5k all up.
(Which would address all of the above).

 

[rorf]

Most important information required - what is the mileage on the engine. Sounds like the thermostat is duff, operating temp should be 85 deg C. When last was oil changed?

 

[24karrat]

@Spanner - i agree with the valve stem seals perishing over the years as they are plastic/rubber. 2-2.5K is steep, so will have to shop around but while I'm getting someone stuck in there might as well get the whole top end done to sort any further underlying issues, the car will live on, just need to to swat diagram weather A. engine swap or B. Rebuild.

@Rorf - Mileage on the engine is mid 80's, either driven with anger most the time & not well maintained or the 1 in-front of the 80 has been clocked back prior to import, which would not surprise me as 70% of cars have clocked back when imported, or best case scenario just Valve Stem seals, the engine does hover slightly above 80 and doesn't go up, oil was changed a week ago, but rad i feel needs looking at.

Thanks guys

 

[24karrat]

My next question, if i do opt for an engine swap.

A. will a right hand drive car engine fit in a left hand drive? manifolds?
B. will a SEC m117 engine fit in a SEL or will it have to come out a 560 SEL?
C. Can anybody point in the direction of a person whom may have an engine? i have seen a couple on internet auction sites, so I'm hopeful & grateful.
D. Not sure if it has a AMG engine, head or cams, no obvious tell tell signs, hence why pics will be uploaded over bank holiday, but engine does sound "beasty"

Kind Regards,

 

[24karrat]

Engine

Exact engine in similar 560 Sel for sale in germany

 

[24karrat]

Exact engine in similar 560 Sel for sale in germany

here's the engine pic

 

[jaymanek]

If that's your engine then it just looks a standard engine. Many Amg cars are simply body kits so no surprises there.

You can use any 560 engine they are all the same. Yes there may be differences in some of the ancillaries so you will need to use your old manifolds etc if you get a lhd engine. I would play safe and get a uk engine so it's just a simple drop in.

 

[24karrat]

Cheers for the advice, I'll up load a video of the exhaust sound, it doesn't sound like a 560 especially at high revs, but will let you tell me

 

[24karrat]

Cheers for the advice, I'll up load a video of the exhaust sound, it doesn't sound like a 560 especially at high revs, but will let you tell me

Took it for M.O.T Saturday just gone, only thing it failed on was ball joint covers on the front need replacing, I was pleasantly surprised! In Regards to top end rebuild I'm going to hold out, engine hardly smokes at all, which I'm also please about once it's on the road I'm going to take it for a long run & access it from there.

 

[ianrandom]

They do like the long runs, does them the world of good.