Head gasket changed and now getting water in the oil.

[Mercedes 230te]

Ok. Thanks grober

 

[Mercedes 230te]

I am assuming this is the M102 engine, which is SOHC, in which case the misfire could also be result of cam timing or other camshaft-related issue. A compression test will help diagnose the issue.

Yes this is the M102 SOHC engine. Thanks

 

[Mercedes 230te]

Im going to be flushing the engine today and putting fresh oil in. Im not sure if im still getting water in the oil so don't want to change the oil filter yet. If I leave the old filter on, use the flushing oil, then refill with fresh oil and run for a bit, will that be ok.

 

[grober]

Change the filter.

 

[jaymanek]

No the filter holds a fair amount... And remove the filter whilst the bottom drain plug is off as this will release a fair amount of oil into the sump to be drained.

 

[Mercedes 230te]

Thanks to everyone for the useful information. I flushed the old oil and water out and put new in and after running it for 30mins everything seems fine. No water in the oil or oil in the water. The miss-fire stopped after running it round the block, but still struggles to start a bit and when I turn it off and re-start it, it sounds like the miss-fire comes back but a small rev stops it. Cam or something around that area sounds a bit noisy. Not sure if it just needs a good run.
Also, it really! jumps when I put it in reverse but other gears ok.

Any thoughts?
Thanks.

 

[Bellow]

The ignition system will be all disturbed. Failing HT lead could be the cause of the misfire (look at it running in the dark for signs of tracking). Ditto distributor cap (check it's dry inside).

 

[Mercedes 230te]

If it was leads or cap wouldn't it misfire all the time?

Also any thoughts on the jumping in to reverse?

Thanks.

 

[Bellow]

If it was leads or cap wouldn't it misfire all the time?
.

Not necessarily. Varying degrees of moisture (cap) and or vibration (leads), and the conditions within the combustion chamber (which vary across the operating range) are all factors.

 

[Mercedes 230te]

Not necessarily. Varying degrees of moisture (cap) and or vibration (leads), and the conditions within the combustion chamber (which vary across the operating range) are all factors.

Wow. Thanks very much.
I'm going over today to check the cap and I'll check the leads for tracking when it's dark. Also I want to check the spark on the plugs, do I do it one at a time or all at once
Do you have any thoughts on the jumping in to reverse?

Thanks

 

[Bellow]

Wow. Thanks very much.
I'm going over today to check the cap

Moisture (however slight) and any cracks inside that could harbour moisture are what you are looking for. Also, look for dark 'spidery' marks - a sign of tracking.

and I'll check the leads for tracking when it's dark.

The misfiring will have to be occurring for this to be conclusive. You can try wiggling the leads about. Pay particular attention to any part of any lead showing signs of cracking, anywhere they pass close to metal, the engine ends (heat damage). The 'king' lead - the one in the centre of the cap that connects with the coil - is the hardest worked lead.
If it still has original fit cap and leads, probably worth just replacing anyway. The cap that prevented my W123 200 from starting looked perfect...

Also I want to check the spark on the plugs, do I do it one at a time or all at once

One at a time - it will be hard to ensure robust earth paths for all plugs simultaneously.

Do you have any thoughts on the jumping in to reverse?

Nope! Auto (presuambly), if not the external linkage in need of adjustment then some internal problem I'd imagine.

 

[balge]

Assuming correct level and fluid, jerking transmission could be flex-disks or engine/transmission mounts, but if it only does it going into reverse sounds like a gearbox fault?
B3 Clutch on reverse gear ?

 

[Bellow]

Nope! Auto (presuambly), if not the external linkage in need of adjustment then some internal problem I'd imagine.

Ignore that! Mis-read the question.

 

[Mercedes 230te]

Assuming correct level and fluid, jerking transmission could be flex-disks or engine/transmission mounts, but if it only does it going into reverse sounds like a gearbox fault?
B3 Clutch on reverse gear ?

I'm not sure if the level is correct as I can't test it until it's been on a run for a bit. I can't take it out at the moment as it's not insured. The level at the moment is way above max but I have to test it once the gearbox has run up to temp. I'm not sure what a B3 clutch is so I couldn't tell you.