Headgasket not available?

[Eminent]

Hello.
I'm looking for a headgasket for an overhauled short block.
The (second) bore size is 87.5mm, the engine number 130983-12-007024
This is an engine with the square combustion chambers.
I did a lot of searching but so far i didn't find a gasket for it. Also EPC gives no clarity (only for later engine numbers they have a headgasket for the seond oversize).
Who can tell me more about this issue?
Thanks.
Rini.

[Benz Dr.]

I believe that one head gasket is used regardless of bore over size. This gasket should be part number 130 016 54 20

[Eminent]

Thanks for your answer.
So it should be no problem when using a standard gasket on a over sized block?
The pistons don't reach above the surface of it.
EPC knows the gasket but don't tell anything about bore sizes.

[ja17]

Hello,
As Dan says, one size fits all as far as I know.

[Eminent]

Great. Thanks.

AutohausAZ replied also on my question about 2 head gaskets i found on their website.

Thank you for submitting your part inquiry with AutohausAZ. The two head gaskets sets you found, part number 130 010 33 21 and W0133-1612860 are in fact the exact same gasket set. Either would be correct for your engine serial number and according to our suppliers and the information we have from Mercedes, these gasket sets would be correct for engines that have the cylinders bored to the second oversize of 87.5mm. This is because the pistons will reach TDC (top dead center) before reaching the head gasket, and the gasket would seal completely between the head and the block.

[ja17]

Hello Eminent,

I tend to think it is a mistake on their part, unless the new head gaskets and materials require this change. All previous experience is that one fits all and has caused no issues in the past. However new techniques and materials may require a change? Would be worth investigating further.

We do know that the 280 series already uses two different head gaskets depending on production date. Maybe this is where the confusion originates? Otherwise should we expect two different head gaskets for each version which makes the list increase to four possible head gaskets depending on piston size and production date? 

[Cees Klumper]

Hi Joe- Unless I misunderstood Autohaus' response, I thought they were confirming what is the common opinion, that there is no special gasket needed for a second oversize bored block.
FYI, this is for the rebuilt engine that passed through Blacklick at the time you and I (mostly you of course!) rebuilt my current engine. It is a proper W113 engine that finally found a 'home' - in a sedan! May be the only SL engine that is going into an SE rather than the other way around...

[Eminent]

Now i even feel more sorry to put it in a SEL...
But i hope you feel it the same as i do and that it's worthed to keep the car on the road.

I think Cees is correct.
Maybe Joe is confused by the numbers in the reply. Those numbers stands for a gasket set (including a gasket for the manifold etc.), the first one from MB, the second one from Elring.

[rogerh113]

The blue book indicates a low compression engine, which I happen to have.  When I had the head replaced, the mechanic called me down to show me the head and head gasket.  The standard head gasket clearly intruded into the combustion chambers in the head in places.  He ended up having to do a special order from Germany for a special head gasket for the engine.  Don't know if this is all bull (since I was not impressed with the work), but I saw the head with the 'standard' gasket, and no way that was going to work. 

Regards -- Roger

[ja17]

Yes, I mis-understood the AZ responce.  One size fits all for the same type and series engine.   Overbore size does not make any difference!

[Cees Klumper]

Now i even feel more sorry to put it in a SEL...
But i hope you feel it the same as i do and that it's worthed to keep the car on the road.

Absolutely! I'm just happy the engine will get used, that's better than sitting around.

[Benz Dr.]

My understanding is that there are two different head gaskets depending on engine numbers. I had a late head gasket in an early engine once and the gasket burned through in a half hour of running. Then the oil pan filled with water which is why I never use anti freeze unil I know everything is working properly.

 Now I keep the old head gasket until I see the new one for comparison. I ordered the early type but they sent the late style. This is one part of many things you don't want to get wrong during a rebuild.

[Eminent]

And those difference is the oval and squared combustion chambers right?
And what do you use instead of anti freeze?

BTW, i found something on the Elring site, see attachement.
Article 209.423 says the following:

Transmission Type: Automatic Transmission, To Eng. No.: 2-008784, Supplementary Article/Supplementary Info: Without valve cover gasket, Without valve stem seals, Bore Ø: 87,5 mm

This should mean that there is a gasket for the earlier engine with a boresize of 87.5mm.
Now, what i do better. Buy this one or buy the original gasket which is smaller in diameter?

[Naj ✝︎]

Eminent,

Buy the Elring gasket, its OE anyway!

The difference between 209.423 and 831.191 is that the first one comes with a manifold gasket, second one is head gasket only.
Valve stem seals etc. have to be bought separately
890.405 has all the seal rings and gaskets for the bottom end.

Naj

[Benz Dr.]

And those difference is the oval and squared combustion chambers right?
And what do you use instead of anti freeze?

BTW, i found something on the Elring site, see attachement.
Article 209.423 says the following:

Transmission Type: Automatic Transmission, To Eng. No.: 2-008784, Supplementary Article/Supplementary Info: Without valve cover gasket, Without valve stem seals, Bore Ø: 87,5 mm

This should mean that there is a gasket for the earlier engine with a boresize of 87.5mm.
Now, what i do better. Buy this one or buy the original gasket which is smaller in diameter?

I use plain water when I first start an engine after a rebuild. There are several good reasons for this:

a) Any external leak won't make a mess all over the engine bay or shop floor. Antifreez is sticky and it doesn't evaporate very quickly. It also leaves a residue once it does dry.

b) Sometimes you will get an air lock inside of the engine which will force water out of the rad. You can waste a lot of coolant all over the floor and engine bay.

c) If you have an internal leak it's not good but it's much worse with antifreeze in your oil pan. Antifreeze and moving parts don't mix very well.