Building a 2.8 engine

[Mercedes W460]

Hello I'm thinking of building a 2.8 I think it's a m104 never built an engine before the engine is seized or locked or something any way would it be a good engine to learn on no idea what tools I need or stuff like that thanks

 

[redbaron]

go to college, do a mechanics course.

 

[Mercedes W460]

I'm at college doing a mechanics course they do not teach you how to build engines there

 

[Dieselman]

I'm at college doing a mechanics course they do not teach you how to build engines there

What TF do they teach then?

 

[Martyn_n]

I suppose it has a bit of everything, multi-valve head, variable cam timing(ish) so may be a good one to practice on. Personally, unless you have a car to put it in, I'd have gone for a 4 cylinder engine as you won't learn any more from rebuilding 6 cylinders.

 

[Martyn_n]

What TF do they teach then?

Sucking air through your teeth and moving the decimal point on a quote.

 

[nigel cross]

I would put it on the back burner for a while, if you have no idea about engine building, could end up as a money pit

 

[carat 3.6]

I'm at college doing a mechanics course they do not teach you how to build engines there

I take it that the college course is more about theory than actual "hands on" learning? If I was in your position, I would try to find a garage that will take you on as an apprentice. You will learn more there than you will in the classroom.

Best thing I ever did.

 

[Mercedes W460]

If I had a 4 cylinder I would try it but I have the merc engine it will most likely go to the scrap I want to do this because I would like to build performance engines for myself in the future I thought I would need to learn how to build a standard engine first maybe ask my teacher if there is any class for this thanks

 

[Mercedes W460]

Yes it would be the right thing to do but there is very little people that does this in my area

 

[carat 3.6]

Yes it would be the right thing to do but there is very little people that does this in my area

Where are you?

 

[Mercedes W460]

Northern Ireland a wee town about 50 mile away from Belfast

 

[carat 3.6]

Northern Ireland a wee town about 50 mile away from Belfast

Ok, in that case have tried doing any maintenance to your own car?

 

[Mercedes W460]

Yes I work in a garage but in Ireland it is cheaper to buy a used engine then build one the only people who build engines here is for vintage tractors or cars and some performance cars

 

[carat 3.6]

Yes I work in a garage but in Ireland it is cheaper to buy a used engine then build one the only people who build engines here is for vintage tractors or cars and some performance cars

Your garage must get a few cambelt changes, head gaskets, ect, to repair though?

 

[Bellow]

Get hold of a lawnmower engine or something similar to practice on. A lot easier handled than a big six. Once you have mastered the fiddly stuff like piston rings, valve collets, etc, let rip and strip the six. That way you will have a better idea of how to tackle the six and and can decide as you go along if rebuilding it is what you want to do.
By the time you have rebuilt the lawnmower engine, you will have a fair idea how it all has to be to run properly and contain its fluids.

 

[Mercedes W460]

No head gaskets some cam belts are garage sort of only works on Mercedes g wagons maybe some thing else when not busy

 

[Mercedes W460]

Yes a lawnmower engine would be I. Know some who works on lawnmower chainsaws on stuff like that maybe he would some old thing that he does not need thanks for the advice. another ? For everyone does a 1998 c43amg have 2 or 4 o2 sensors thanks