Daimler 1992 V12 - Head Job advice

Jan 18, 2006 4 Replies

Hello all,



Looking to make my first acquisition, I have come across a Swiss LHD 1992 Daimler V12 Saloon. However owner says head gasket blown, after overheating in traffic, but repatriated and garaged since, hence low price.



Don't know before viewing if this is a late SerIII-shape or an XJ40/81 shape, so engine could be 5.3 or 6.0.



Please,can I get some advice on whether this is *just* a head gasket replacement (both banks while we're at it), or whether there are side effects to a blown gasket that means more trouble and work - best and worst cases.



Also, some hints at EU sources for parts would be appreciated.



Regards



Stan


My wife's 89 V 12 lost a radiator hose on the freeway and heated the motor pretty good. I had to remove about 0.030" from each head to get them flat and replace some valve seats that loosened due to the heat. Also found quite a bit of corrosion on block and head surfaces which I filled with JB weld. This happened at about 50,000- car runs strong now with the new 3 angle valve job and shaved heads. Did all the work myself, but the gaskets, valves, seats and all new radiator hoses and metal water pipes set me back about 700.00

overheating

Overheating of the V12 often results in extensive engine damage. The valve seats can come loose and this can destroy valves, pistons, heads, and cylinder sleeves. I have an overheated engine in that condition. The rings can loose their tension from overheating as well. I would consider an overheated V12 as in need of engine replacement or complete rebuild, though the damage could be much less. There is no real way to know until the heads are removed.

Don Young

Suggest you not be tempted by this 14 year old car's relatively low purchase price. That's usually a fool's bargain when it comes to luxury cars - SEEMS like a bargain but will be the MOST expensive car you could buy. We all WANT to believe the repairs will be minimal and so avoid recognizing the true cost of such a "fixer." This repair is open ended, labor intensive and uses parts with limited distribution; all guaranty a high repair cost. And, as its owner, you'll have NO CHOICE but to pay. That's why it's For Sale!

Don't buy someone's troubles. Rather, if it MUST be a V-12, look for an "expensive" car that's so because it really IS in top condition and can pass a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection. Yes, you'll feel like too much was paid BUT that car, given proper maintenance, won't fail you. This approach recognizes the true cost of luxury car ownership.

Buy a bargain "fixer" after you've owned some Jaguars and know your way around the repair shops and parts sources. You'll then be able to assess a car's repair needs and the approximate cost of such work. A new owner lacks such insights.

Hello All,

Thanks for the advice and everything. I think I owe it to myself, and newsgroup contributors, to go and take a look at least. I'll be happy to put up some pictures when I have them,

Regards, Stan

stanley wrote in news:Xns974FF187FDB0Adatelinefreefr@193.252.117.183:

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