Hi folks,
Some of you probably remember my problems last fall with my Benz which had started life as a 240D, then got an engine swap in 2001 to a 300 turbo.
Last fall it suddenly started running very roughly so I took it to the mechanic who did the engine swap. After 8 weeks, and chiding me about a broken engine mount (Didn't you notice the vibration? Well duh, yes I did, that's why I called you....) He replaced all the injectors, fixed the broken mount and $1k later I have my car back.
Fixed? Nope. Drove it home, it was still running unevenly, though not "shaking". Called him back and got an appointment to bring it in one week later. Didn't drive it in the meantime. Doofus has the car for SIX more weeks, can't find the problem to fix it. I get mad, take it to the dealer. Three hours later I know the problem - no compression in cylinder 5, though 1-4 are fine.
I'm hoping the problem is as simple as a head gasket, but wanted to wait for civilized weather to work on it.Finally my Dad (who gave me the car), urges me to find a GOOD mechanic, since I have not had the time to work on it. I start asking around and one name crops up from several sources, including a couple of other shops. Retired MB mechanic who still works on them from his home shop.
He poked around, popped the head off, took it to the machine shop.....Cracked head. Daylight visible through it. I'd think any competent mechanic would have done a compression test when I first brought it in, given the symptoms, but mechanic #1 didn't.
Current mechanic found a good used head, we're having the valves ground, since most of them were a little toasted, and I should be back on the road for about $1200-1300.
I'm pretty sure I got ripped by mechanic #1. I know for a fact that worn injectors were not the main problem, maybe not even a problem at all. I also think he was piddling around on the time. It should not have taken 8 week + 6 weeks not to fix the problem. I'm seriously considering filing a Better Business Bureau complaint against the guy. Doubt if I could even get a cent back, but it might help warn off other people, and keep them from getting ripped off.
Rochelle