Head gaskets for M130 Engines

[zoegrlh]

FYI, Just talked to Tom Hanson at MB Classic Center concerning my need for a new head gasket for the M130 engine in a friends 1970 280SL that Jim Villers and myself are working on.  We have pulled the engine out to paint and replate and to also replace a manual clutch. Since the engine is on a stand, it is a good time to do the head as well. Jim Villers started looking for a new replace gasket, and as Tom Hanson has just verified, there a no gaskets in US or in Germany. MB has told him that they are in process to have new stock made, but the contract has not been approved. His suggestion is to wait if you are about to pull the head, wait until new stock is available.
Bob

[MikeSimon]

I was able to get one of the last ones in the US, from K&K late last year.
I have since spoken with a sales rep in Germany from elring (gasket manufacturer) and he explained that there was a tooling issue and they were working on a remedy.
He said back then by June/July they would have new stock. They are not bound anymore with an exclusivity contract to MB, so the gasket will be available through other sources, probably in Germany first, before the rest-of-the-world stock will be replenished. I have friends over there keeping their eyes peeled for me.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=28856.msg208818#msg208818

[Cees Klumper]

Good stuff, I've been reading these concerning messages over the past months about unavailability of head gaskets. Such a basic, basic maintenance item so it's good to hear aftermarket ones can be made now. The less grip MB has on our parts the better, it seems to me.

[Mike Hughes]

From the Pre-War M.G. forums, a source in the USA for bespoke solid copper head gaskets for competition and NLA restoration projects is:

http://www.headgasket.com/gaskets.html

[ja17]

They are slowly becoming available again. I think Jeff at SL Autohaus has some late 280 SL, SE (oval) available at the moment.

[johnk]

Parts geek shows on its website what looks like both variations of the head gaskets for about $100. It didn't show any when I searched under 230 or 250sl but had several options listed under 280SL with two different versions. I clicked a few steps through the order process and it didn't say they were out of stock. 

At the same time Buds Benz is listing what visually looks like the same gaskets for 450 and 500. I didn't have the engine numbers with me to check. Hmmm says a lot about Buds........

[MikeSimon]

I just got one from PartsGeek. The later version, "oval" design. It is a Victor Renz kit and includes the manifold gasket and a few other small ones.

[magic]

I'm new to the members forum ,I'm not sure if I'm using the correct Avenue,however I've had a seized cam managed to remove the cam from the seized tower but now considering either to have the cam journal resurfaced and machined or purchase a new or used cam and same regarding cam tower.if someone could also forward the best option to purchase a manifold and head gaskets.
I hope to hear from more experienced members.
Kind regards
Alex

[ja17]

Have the camshaft checked first. Since it is harder material sometimes it will clean up and you may only need the cam tower. If the camshaft must be machined under size, you might be able to get an oversize cam tower to be fitted to the undersize camshaft journal. I am not sure what is available these days as far as repair sizes. A good used cam with towers may be a good alternative. Head and manifold gaskets are readily available again. Some other members may be able to refer you to the best supplier down there.

[Shvegel]

We used to see quite a few Volvo's with seized cams.  We used to clean them up as best as we could without scratching them then remove the rest with phosphoric acid which doesn't harm the cam.