Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogweed
is there anything to look for to determine if the head is going or gone? i read an older thred comparing the 5 and 6 cly diesels...seems to be mixed opinions
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I've had both and think that they are both good engines. When in the 617 (5 Cyl) you hear a bit more of the diesel clunk and have less power. In the 603 (6 cyl) you don't hear as much of the clunk (it took a long while to get used to it but now I'm used to the 603's clunking and like it). IMHO both are great choices and I think that the problems with the 603 tend to get overblown. The problem was/is with the early heads (#14-16or18 as I recall) where they would crack if they were overheated. Newer heads do not seem to have this problem.
One thing to note which nobody has done yet. There are two different types of 603 engines pertaining to the SDL. The early ones used in the 86-87 300SDL had the head problems. They then in 1991 made the 350 SD and SDL which have issues with the lower end of the engine. Not 100% sure what the issues are but be aware that they are there.
This topic has been discussed many times before. The general consensus I get is that owners of the 603 love their engines and could never go back. Owners of the 617 consider owners of the 603 traitors and focus on any and all of the engines pitfalls
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Hope I made some sense,
Matt