C Class 180. 2009

[QUTSELL]

Oil on spark plugs can mean that your oil scrapper rings on the pistons are worn, or that you have a blown head gasket that allows oil into the combustion chamber (this is not how head gaskets typically fail, usually the breach affects the coolant, but it can happen).

Having two adjacent plugs affected points more to the direction of head gasket failure (though I don't know specifically if the M271 engine has any oil passages in this area).

Also, you can consider something similar to this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01COQZAWK/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

Thanks Mark for takeing the time and trouble to help,all your pointers are welcome,as Mumsie is about to have a mental breakdown,and sending me with her. Pat

 

[QUTSELL]

Oil on spark plugs can mean that your oil scrapper rings on the pistons are worn, or that you have a blown head gasket that allows oil into the combustion chamber (this is not how head gaskets typically fail, usually the breach affects the coolant, but it can happen).

Having two adjacent plugs affected points more to the direction of head gasket failure (though I don't know specifically if the M271 engine has any oil passages in this area).

Also, you can consider something similar to this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01COQZAWK/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

That is what our Son advised me to get,so its getting ordered.

 

[QUTSELL]

At last had time to call the AA,conclusion chain jumped,inlet is showing 20 degrees out,so this morning I got hold of a compression tester,all cylinders are showing 9.5 to 10,so looking ok there,so went to Motor Aid our local indi,enquired as to cost to re`place the timing chain + the gears, I was quoted timing gear each £500,and then a complete strip of the engine,tryed a few garages,none want to offer a repair,so looking at the parts needed to strip the chain,well over £200,toss up,do I change the engine,or go for repair ?.

 

[markjay]

Assuming that your current engine was good and reliable up to the current issue, and that the valves/pistons/con-rods are not damaged as result of the chain jumping a tooth, go for chain replacement, but keep in mind that you will need to change the chain, tensioner, and camshaft sprocket wheels (wear on the latter is probably what caused the chain to jump a tooth in the first place). Parts and labour estimated as ~£1.2-£1.5k.

If you do go ahead, do this only at a trusted Mercedes specialist, i.e. do not let just any local garage deal with this.

 

[Martin 1]

My chain, sprockets etc. came to £2.3k at Sytner, the Northampton main stealer, I do have peace of mind but it was egg and chips for a while. Find a good Indie and get it done, better the devil you know than risk used parts. Good luck.

 

[QUTSELL]

I have quotes around 1.8K do I go for that or chance the engine ? Problem changing the engine,is you never know what that's like,catch 22 situation,Mumsie is giving me greif every day,fix my car,or else.Think I will go look for Else.

 

[QUTSELL]

Up`date.AA lifted the car,it`s off to there recommended garage,so all quiet on the Western Front,said car will be ready by Friday,so wait and see,episode I hope over. My thoughts are to sell it now,as it`s one problem after another.

 

[markjay]

I am assuming you are having the timing gear replaced, rather than opting for a second-hand engine?

 

[Jimmas]

What was the cost to replace the timing gear, or was that the 1.8k you mentioned, I would think much better to repair your engine unless catastrophic damage done when chain jumped.

 

[QUTSELL]

Gone for repair,i felt I would not trust a used engine,all the cost of fitting,then find that it is a bad one.

I am assuming you are having the timing gear replaced, rather than opting for a second-hand engine?

 

[QUTSELL]

What was the cost to replace the timing gear, or was that the 1.8k you mentioned, I would think much better to repair your engine unless catastrophic damage done when chain jumped.

As soon as I receive the invoice I will post the cost,as I mentioned it showed a good reading on the compression test,so fingers X

 

[QUTSELL]

Off to the repair garage yesterday,car still in the roadway,Mumsie went in to have words,came back out to get me,(I dont interfear,as keeping quiet i find is best) in to the reception,to be told we are short staffed,but we have to check with a scope,(as advised by fellow member),now waiting for the news the engine is in need of new giggling pins and a new laughing shaft,i informed the chap,that the AA had done a compression test,and all cylinders were showing the same pressure,although there may be damage i admit,so once they phone to try and say its in need of this and that,im off to check myself.

 

[HITECH]

I would much rather buy another engine than the stress and hassle of fixing this engine then wondering if the original problem that caused it to happen in the 1st place makes it happen again. Or if something else critical goes wrong with it. The time spent wondering about what to do could have been solved with a quote to re-fit another engine , ur engine would have turned up long ago and the price would have been much cheaper. This kind of scenario is a no brainer for me with customers. Ive not once had a bad re-conditioned engine. You get a gaurantee with them anyway. You have taken an unknown financial plung with it and the only people that will be positive about it will be the garage doing the work and taking the money for it.

Off to the repair garage yesterday,car still in the roadway,Mumsie went in to have words,came back out to get me,(I dont interfear,as keeping quiet i find is best) in to the reception,to be told we are short staffed,but we have to check with a scope,(as advised by fellow member),now waiting for the news the engine is in need of new giggling pins and a new laughing shaft,i informed the chap,that the AA had done a compression test,and all cylinders were showing the same pressure,although there may be damage i admit,so once they phone to try and say its in need of this and that,im off to check myself.

 

[Jimmas]

Any update on the garage findings yet?

 

[QUTSELL]

Any update on the garage findings yet?

Quotes all over the place,ranging to strip the front out, to new gears at £600 each that's without labour,
then timing chain,tensioners,then sir it needs a complete strip down,and if we find any more problems
you will be advised,but at the end of the conversation,sir would have to,eat bread and water for months
if you decide to go ahead,so its a second hand engine,50,000 on the clock and then fitting,also quoted
£1200 to change,or another quote £500,statied he had changed these engines in the past,so Mumsie is
still driving me mad,even though things are moveing along,episode 2 when the engine arrives.

 

[markjay]

It is generally a good idea to let the garage supply and fit the second hand engine, even if it costs a little bit more.

Especially if you are buying the engine off eBay, as opposed to being able to see the engine running and inspect it on the donnor car prior to removal.

If you supply the garage with your own engine, then the eBay seller may provide a guarantee for the engine, and will happily replace it if it turns out to be a bad one, but you'll still have to pay the fitting garage twice for the labour.

( Ask me how I know..... )

 

[HITECH]

As markjay says best option is to supply garage with an engine. Stay positive and the likely outcome is. U supply the recon engine , garage fits it and job is a good un !. Its that simple ! Before the recon engine goes in do everything u can with it and to it whilst everything on around it is accessible. Check seals, core plugs. everything you can see on it.

Quotes all over the place,ranging to strip the front out, to new gears at £600 each that's without labour,
then timing chain,tensioners,then sir it needs a complete strip down,and if we find any more problems
you will be advised,but at the end of the conversation,sir would have to,eat bread and water for months
if you decide to go ahead,so its a second hand engine,50,000 on the clock and then fitting,also quoted
£1200 to change,or another quote £500,statied he had changed these engines in the past,so Mumsie is
still driving me mad,even though things are moveing along,episode 2 when the engine arrives.

 

[QUTSELL]

It is generally a good idea to let the garage supply and fit the second hand engine, even if it costs a little bit more.

Especially if you are buying the engine off eBay, as opposed to being able to see the engine running and inspect it on the donnor car prior to removal.

If you supply the garage with your own engine, then the eBay seller may provide a guarantee for the engine, and will happily replace it if it turns out to be a bad one, but you'll still have to pay the fitting garage twice for the labour.

( Ask me how I know..... )

No need to ask Mark,i guess you got a bad one,they don't care how you get on,its just get the money,buyer beware.Caviot Emperor (Guess my spelling is not correct) as I`m not a Lawler.

 

[QUTSELL]

As markjay says best option is to supply garage with an engine. Stay positive and the likely outcome is. U supply the recon engine , garage fits it and job is a good un !. Its that simple ! Before the recon engine goes in do everything u can with it and to it whilst everything on around it is accessible. Check seals, core plugs. everything you can see on it.

Having it delivered to my home,now your advice taken,as you point out,i will check it thoroughly before taking it to the shop for the changing over