okay if there was a checklist made of what steps to take on a head gasket changeout for 85 500 sel:

what parts hit the machine shop? what MUST be replaced with NO question? where would you start? what would you take off first? and do what with these parts so as not to be harmed further by elements or be forgotten in re assembly... I knew I should have taken auto shop, any pointers out there for me at all? thanks a million

You might want to look into rebuilt heads from Adsit. The prices seem reasonable, and everthing is either new or rebuilt. Things to replace include lifters (especially if they're hydraulic), valve stem seals, grind valve faces and seats, replace weak springs, rocker arm bearings, camshafts (check lobes for wear), cam sprockets. Pretty much anything that moves. A shop will be able to pressure test the head or magnaflux it to check for cracks. Make sure the face of the head is flat, because any waves or bumps will result in a poor seal. Check the timing chain for stretch or general wear while you're at it.

so pretty much anything worth driving deserves all the attention you mentioned, right? ...thought so, thanks very much

you would not want to only change the gasket and find out a week later that you need a valve seal. there is a method to the madness and a "while I'm in here attitude". trust me, the little parts are worth your attention if you feel like only doing this once.

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88 300e
92 mr2

I subscribe the the "while I'm there" mentality because of the huge labor overlap for some of these projects. Plus I like to repair my cars for the long haul.

The only time a person does't do things like that is if they just want their car to limp along. If a person's car is that far gone to follow the patching strategy, then that person should consider getting a better car. So, you're correct with saying "Anything worth driving..."

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

I just changed my left head gasket only. No valve job. No valve stem seals. No camshafts, or lifters. I also did my timing chain and guides because it was necassary. I also replaced the cam oiler tube plastic fittings. When replacing a head gasket you may end up breaking the rubber cover that connects the airflow sensor to the throttle body. You should also replace every piece of rubber hose under the manifold. Look for some of my other posts on this. Also an area of concern is that the threads are not helicoiled from the factory. There is a risk of stripping threads and requiring inserts. The drill guide for re threading cost ~ $1600.00$. If you strip one you will need to purchase this tool or make it out of an old head.

John Roncallo