Quote:
Originally Posted by Cr from Texas
I have a chance to buy a really clean 1987 I know about the 350 rod bender but understand the 300 is a good engine, right? I also read that some of the 300SDL's actually had 350 engines. Can I tell by the VIN or options code if the engine is a 300 or 350 (to be avoided)?
Charles
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A clean SDL with no rust and good paint should be seriously considered. Depending on maintenance, the engine is good for 400K or so.
The vehicle has the 603.961 engine which doesn't typically suffer from connecting rod problems like it's larger bretheren. All 300 SDL's in the years '86 and '87 have the 3L version of the engine.
The only concern is whether the engine was ever overheated in it's past. If you can possibly drive it and then check it the following morning.............you'd be looking for pressure in the cooling system............signifying a bad head gasket or a cracked head. This is not a definitive test, but if the symptom is present, the vehicle should probably be avoided.