I have a 1987 260E with the same M103 engine, just different displacement. It was already using some oil when I bought it from the first owner 22 years ago. I’ve used the car as my daily driver and as long as I was driving on the highway it was fine as the oil just burned away, but oh boy, you didn’t want to get stuck in a traffic jam cause then the flames weren’t hot enough to burn the excess oil and the spark plugs got clogged resulting in the misfires in your video. Another tell tale sign is blue smoke from the exhaust when driving away after a few minutes idling. Misfires got worse, at some point it was using 1 liter of oil every 1000km. Then finally two of the valves burned. I got the head overhauled where the valve stem seals were also replaced. It’s been 40000 km since then and the engine still runs smooth without misfires. Later on I bought the W124 service manual on CDROM from Mercedes Classic center and learned this issue was already recognized somewhere in 1989 or so. There was even a recall in some markets where they replaced the valve stem seals free of charge. Needless to say that has been too late for my car…
Interesting take on the usage of oil Kent I'm looking forward to seeing your results also a trick to be used on oxygen sensors that give problems with the W124s.
My E320 with the M104 straight six is still my favourite MB engine, even though it developed a head gasket leak around 300 000km. The body of the car was shot anyway (rust).
Nice, simple, and effective troubleshooting. Thanks Ken! I've done the valve stem replacement for an OM617 using your kit. Is it really much different / difficult for the M102/3 engine?
You will have to explain what you mean by best. You would need to explain what you mean by old. You would need to explain who would do the maintenance. You would need to explain how much you would want to spend.
I have a 1987 260E with the same M103 engine, just different displacement. It was already using some oil when I bought it from the first owner 22 years ago. I’ve used the car as my daily driver and as long as I was driving on the highway it was fine as the oil just burned away, but oh boy, you didn’t want to get stuck in a traffic jam cause then the flames weren’t hot enough to burn the excess oil and the spark plugs got clogged resulting in the misfires in your video. Another tell tale sign is blue smoke from the exhaust when driving away after a few minutes idling.
Misfires got worse, at some point it was using 1 liter of oil every 1000km. Then finally two of the valves burned. I got the head overhauled where the valve stem seals were also replaced. It’s been 40000 km since then and the engine still runs smooth without misfires.
Later on I bought the W124 service manual on CDROM from Mercedes Classic center and learned this issue was already recognized somewhere in 1989 or so. There was even a recall in some markets where they replaced the valve stem seals free of charge. Needless to say that has been too late for my car…
Interesting take on the usage of oil Kent I'm looking forward to seeing your results also a trick to be used on oxygen sensors that give problems with the W124s.
Never seen this before. Great idea. Your videos are really appreciated.
I expect good short term results, possibly long term.
Maserati uses a pre-chamber setup like this on their MC20 engine. Works brilliantly from what I’ve seen.
Mercedessource Kent, I have used the anti foul on my 1952 continental in M62 army truck they do help the spark plugs from fouling as bad.
What are some other signs of valve stem failure? Black smoke??
The most common one is after you sit for 5 minutes at a long traffic light idling, then take off and see a big cloud of white-blue smoke behind you...
Those are awesome engines but they really like Head Gaskets as well.
great content Kent
Would an Infrared Laser Thermometer aimed at the exhaust manifold tell us which cylinder is not firing?
My E320 with the M104 straight six is still my favourite MB engine, even though it developed a head gasket leak around 300 000km. The body of the car was shot anyway (rust).
Nice, simple, and effective troubleshooting. Thanks Ken!
I've done the valve stem replacement for an OM617 using your kit. Is it really much different / difficult for the M102/3 engine?
Thank you for this video!
Great video. Having the same engine myself with quite similar issue. Do you maybe know where to buy anti foul adapters?
Here is the link to purchase: mercedessource.com/store/m103-6-cyl-engine-spark-plug-oil-non-fouler-kit
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What is the best model of old sedan mercedes car I can buy today?
You will have to explain what you mean by best. You would need to explain what you mean by old. You would need to explain who would do the maintenance. You would need to explain how much you would want to spend.
why change prechambers and not the valve stem seals?
We did not change the "prechambers." We added them.
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Rust bucket manifold
My apologies for showing that in the video. I will remove it today and get it powder-coated.
@@Mercedessource 😂
@@Mercedessource😂