Group Project, fill in the blanks

[ja17]

Attention! this chart has been recently updated 4-13-04 (PM). If you have saved earlier versions replace it with the rev. 4-13-04 version!
All charts on this string have been brought up to date to reflect the most recent information.

Hello,
Here is a chance for everyone to contribute to the chart. It will become a valuable resource. Check your head casting # and compression so we can add the information to the chart.

The head casting number is cast onto the cylinder head on the spark plug side. The compression ratio is close by. Be aware that the head casting number is for reference. The current Mercedes head "part number" may be different than the casting number.

See this post.

[rwmastel]

Joe,

I assume mine is the same as the second one listed.  I can't see the last couple numbers because of the bracket that holds the spark plug wires and stuff.  I have:

127 016 19??

E 9.3

At least I think it's an "E".  It looks like a backwards "3".  My car was produced in Sept. 1966 and has the original engine, transmission, axle assemblies, steering assembly, etc.

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Joe,

My 1970 280SL reads as follows:

130 016 08 01
and
8-9.5

[J. Huber]

Hi Joe.

127 016 1801

I do not see a compression nummer. (but I have compression -- so that's a relief!)

** I should add that years ago, I put a new "shortblock" from MBZ in. I imagine that makes a difference.

[George Davis]

Minor side point: the 'E' or backwards '3' that Rodd mentions immediately before the compression ratio is probably the Greek letter epsilon. The same symbol is shown in the Tabellenbuch where compression ratios are listed.

[Mike Hughes]

For my 1966 230SL (February 1966 build date) I have:
127 16 1901
E 9.3

The last two digits of "1901" are hidden behind the forward attachment point of the bracket that is used for arranging the spark plug wires and the pivot point for the injection pump cross-bar linkage.

The engine, trans, injector pump, etc., are all original to this car and have not been apart.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-

[rwmastel]

George,
Thanks for the epsilon education!  I assume that the Tabellenbuch is the Technical Data Manual?

Mike,
Your head number ends in 1901, but the one in Joe's database is 1903.  Now I'm curious if I have a 1901 or 1903.  I guess I'll be removing a bracket this weekend!

James,
The compression number is directly below the center of the casting number on the same flat surface.  It can be hard to find because of other "stuff" blocking your view.

[ja17]

Thanks for the help Rodd, Jeff, Mike, George, and James,
 I updated the chart with your information. This is the kind of good data which is not easily available anywhere but here.
I am sure some others will add to the table soon.

[tuultyme]

The number on my head is 1300163201 280SE/A  on a 1970 280SL.  Is this a replacement head and of what type?

[ja17]

Hello Bruce,
Yours should be a slightly later version of the "280 SE/A". It may have some very minor revisions. It should have the "oval combustion chambers" and use the latest head gasket. I do not know at this time if it is a replacement head or just a revision during the normal production. I updated the chart with your data. Thanks!

[hands_aus]

Hello Joe,

I just checked my 250 sl numbers

Compression 8-9.5

It is partially hidden but looks to be 129 016 03 (plus 2 numbers) I re-checked and it is 03xx not 08xx as per your list.

One question? If I undo the bolt holding the cable bracket will the nut need to be sealed with silicone?

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, Bob,
The bracket bolt goes in a dead-end hole. No sealing required.
naj

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, Joe,
Details for my 280:
Engine #: 130 983 20 001324
Head #:   130 016 0701 Only '280' on casting
C/r:      9.5

230 details to follow
naj

[ja17]

Thanks Bob and Naj,
Naj has supplied the latest head gasket part numbers for the chart. Manufacturers frequently upgrade the original parts by improving the design and construction, resulting in part number changes. Yes the manufacturer's part numbers may be helpful also. "New old stock" head gaskets may not have these improvements. The chart is now updated with Bob and Naj's information!
Thanks!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[JamesL]

Details for my 280:
Engine #: 130 989 22 008600
Head #: 130 016 07 01 Only '280' on casting
C/r: 9.5 (looks like - although may be 9.3)

[W14]

Hi Joe,

127 016 1901
   E-9,3


Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC

[hands_aus]

Hey Naj,

Thanks for the info about the bolts.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
early 250 SL, RHD

[rwmastel]

Joe,

The chart shows head gasket part numbers starting with 129 for heads starting with part numbers 127.  Is this correct?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Naj ✝︎]

Yes, Rodd,
230 and 250 engines use the same head gasket.
Indeed, even the cylinder heads are interchangeable.
230 heads are like 'hen's teeth' to find so 250 heads can be substituted. However, only complete heads are interchangeable - 250 valves and guides being slightly bigger.
Different part numbers are quoted for the 230 and 250 manifold gaskets. Not sure yet what the difference between the two is. Hopefully, someone here will know.
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[pkiefert]

euro 230sl built july 64
127 016 19 01
9.5
is original engine number and I did triple check it is 9.5

[ja17]

Thanks Tosh, Will and Phil, for your input. Phil you are really going to shake some people up! As you stated 9.5 compression 230-SL head! The three I have and most of the others have are 9.3 compression heads. I had to drag out the BBB and look for myself. Always somethiong to learn. I am going to update the chart now. I guess I will have to go back and update a couple of previous posts also!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Mike Hughes]

Since my head has the same casting number, I went and double checked my compression number and it still says "E 9,3!"  As Alice once was heard to say: "Curioser and curioser!"

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-

[Benz Dr.]

230 and 250 use the same head gasket sets. The stroke is longer in a 250 but the bore is the same.
Late 280SE/A heads are completly different than the early engines. The head gaskets are NOT interchangable and if you use and early head gasket in the late engine it will run for half an hour and then burn through filling your cylinders with coolant ( don't ask ) This is why I always use only water on fresh rebuilds until I know everything is OK. Had I been using coolant and not water on the Red Rocket the engine would be toast. I still don't have it fixed yet though.

Dan c


Daniel G Caron

[ja17]

Hello Dan,
Yes the two types of 280 engines are different animals  in many ways. If you use an early 280 head gasket on a late 280 engine the cylinders will immediately fill with water. The additional cooling passages in the later block and head will be open the combustion chambers.  The chasis production break point for the change was ...013 615 in the SL and ...040 705 in the sedans. Since engines get changed, the best way to make sure is to follow our new "cylinder head chart" (above). It is the best documentation available anywhere.

Additional details can be seen on page 01-9 and 01-11/3 of the BBB.

Here is a photo of the two  type of 280-SL head gaskets.

http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/ja17/20044103815_Head%20gaskets%20M130%20engines.JPG

Always keep your old head gasket until the new one arrives to compare!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Cees Klumper]

I made it to my garage today and checked my nine 280 heads. Here's the results:

130.016.00.01   "280"        early style   E 9.5 E  (2x)
130.016.07.01   "280"        early style   E 9.5    (2x)
130.016.11.01   "280 SE/SL"  later style   E 9.5    (3x)
130.016.11.01   "280 SE"     later style   E 9.5    (2x)

One thing that was interesting is that there is a later style head that has the fittings of the early style, i.e. it has the 'pod' on the side with the temperature sender etc.; the threaded hole where the sender is supposed to go is plugged up with a bolt.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic