300SDL

Well i was posting on other more active Mercedes forums, but this was my first diesel forum since I have been into Ford IDIs for a few years. Anyway thought I would copy the post over here, even thought I think you already know the story...

My friend (ottoparts) wanted a 'diesel' engine to put into his 1950 Ford F2. He found this car with a bad transmission and figured it might be a good donor.

After fiddling around and doing some research, we discovered that it was probably just the kick down switch keeping it in first gear. Apparently it was, because the trans seems to work fine now after mashing the throttle several times (engine off).

So, I drove the car, and really liked it. I thought it would be a shame to part such a nice car just for the engine, and so I traded him an '89 F30 that I was just going to part out anyway.

I have allot of receipts of work being done and just some of them include;

6/10/7 Fuel hose return line, in-tank hose, filter, screen
3/27/7 11" fuel level sender, 3 pos switch VJD1
2/11/7 6 injectors (NA 36x) OE Reman 6 heat shields (601-017-00-60)
312324 Oil PSI tube on turbo
310598 Head replaced
305253 Fuel shut off servo, 'mono' valve, Fan Clutch
302344 A/C condenser R-134a changeover, switch, relay, Cruise Control Amp, align"major service"

291494 trans overhaul/update, drive line disc @ trans, vacuum valve on injection pump
3/19/3 alternator
274840 Vacuum pump
268947 radiator, oil level sending unit


Anyway, that is my story, and here are some pictures. Nothing exciting, probably just looks like another old SDL but here they are;

http://picasaweb.google.com/deanstud/Merc#
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that sounds like a cool project, I've always liked those cars and plan on acquiring one someday to tinker around with. Keep us updated. Oh, and keep track of your expenses. Or dont, if it gets too scary, !

I have owned MB Diesels for nearly a decade now, and the 603 I6 (aka the 300SDL which is pretty rare) for about six? The SDL was built in '86/7 only with the 3L and the '90/91 years with the 3.5L. Around 13k total were built in 86/7.

Check to see if the vehicle has an updated head. Pic at end of thread. See "17 01"? The 17 is the updated cast, 14 was original and can be cracked easily if overheated. Anything over 17 is updated. 17, 18, 22, 23. The 20s have updated oil pressure ports are the front and are more desirable to an extent, but do not bend over backwards looking for one. My '87 has the 14 head and my spare is just that, spare. If yours came with the updated you should be pleased.

The car MUST have a good radiator. Anything over about 82-85°C is pretty hot, unless with the A/C on and speeding @ 80mph. Rarely do I see past 90°C in the middle of the summer. A good modification is the RED coolant temp switch for the aux fan (comes on sooner) and use the later 24V head cooling fan with clutch. The 134A usually is meh for A/C performance unless you live in Hell like I do where R12 must be kept for optimum efficiency.

The trans issue could be a broken B1 piston (servo) or simply low on ATF/clogged filter. All easy fixes with the trans in the vehicle. It should shift crisp not soft. And not stack upon it self very fast (shift timing)

Sounds like a decent car you scooped up cheap. I paid about $700 for mine with awful paint but runs fantastic.

I know how to tweak the IP easily, be rid of the lag off a dead stop, etc. These cars suffer badly from worn rear suspension... diff mount, springs, etc I own seven W126 MBs at last count (that body) and can answer just about any question.