Engine Rebuild assistance needed

[StevenF]

I sent my cylinder head to Metric Motors and the discovered many issues with it and after speaking with my mechanic, we decided to send out the balance of the engine for a total rebuild. --it just makes more financial sense.

With that being said , I am open to recommendations as to what else should be done while the engine is out.  Take into consideration that I just had the radiator re cored and will changing the water pump and thermostat and some other belts, etc.

Please note that I am not looking to have concours rebuilt car as I want to use it as a Sunday driver and do not want to get crazy replacing every part of the engine imaginable...just the parts that need/should be done when removing the engine.

Steven
1971 280sl
571 red metallic

[ja17]

Steve, when the engine is out and apart, it is hard to find a place to stop. You can determine what you need only after close inspection.

[badali]

The subframe mounts and any rubber mountings will be easier to replace at this point since you can reach everything without the engine in the way.

[Benz Dr.]

If Metrics is doing this job you really don't need to ask this question. They will replace everything as a normal course of action.

[ctaylor738]

+1 on the subframe and motor mounts.

Flex disc for sure.

If you have any leaks:  power steering pump, box, hoses.

If you have any doubts about your clutch and/or transmission, now is the time to replace or rebuild.

Injection pump calibration or rebuild if any issues.  Fairchild Industries will check/calibrate.

[66andBlue]

If you have even the slightest thought about repainting your car in the future then the time is now to paint the bay.
At least have it power washed and cleaned. 

[StevenF]

Dr Benz,
I agree with your statement about Metric--I am referring to the other things while the engine is out...
Regards
Steven

[jackhughes81]

My beloved '65 230sl developed a tick on the freeway which quickly escalated to a knock when last driven, and has been sitting since August.   My question is this??
How much would I expect to pay for a "middle of the road" or average rebuild.  The car has 90k Km and ran perfect prior to the incident.
Maybe a range of expected costs would be nice since if its too prohibitive I may have to sell  ... thanks for any input-- jack

[StevenF]

Jack,
I am not sure you question is for me but I would recommend that you speak to a mechanic that knows these cars.  I am not a mechanic nor pretend to be one, but I would defer to the pros...
you may not need an engine rebuild--it could be something else....

Best of luck
If you want to speak to the people who are rebuilding my engine--reach out to Mike at Metric Motors in California.  I would bring my car to my mechanic first...

[Benz Dr.]

Sounds like a rod bearing - starts as a soft ticking noise that grows quickly into a very loud knock as the bearing material wears away. Could be other things as well but loud noises are never a good thing in any engine.

[Cees Klumper]

Hi Dan - If it is indeed a rod bearing, would simply replacing the bearing, or all bearings while you're 'in there', potentiallly cure the situation?

[Benz Dr.]

Hi Dan - If it is indeed a rod bearing, would simply replacing the bearing, or all bearings while you're 'in there', potentially cure the situation?

Well, yes and no. Replacing the bearing/s would take care of that problem but you would be creating a couple more if the connecting rod/s weren't re-sized and the crank shaft re-ground. The crank can also distort from all of that pounding and it may need to be straightened. Then you're looking at main bearings because of the potential shards that ran through the engine, possible oil pump damage, and crap everywhere in the engine.

How would you be able to re-size the connecting rod/s without pulling the engine apart?

[stickandrudderman]

It took me many years to realise that there is only one way to build an engine and it's not the economic way.

[Benz Dr.]

It took me many years to realize that there is only one way to build an engine and it's not the economic way.

I can't disagree with that. And if you have to warranty the work............