The FSM shows only that the 903.97, 603.96 starting 9/88, the connecting rod eye now has 2 oiling bores. The ones I have, have 1 oiling bore. They are marked 603 07 except for one, which is marked 603 09.

Also engine 603.960 starting 1/88 has 3 bores for lubricating the piston pin.

There are a few versions of these around. I don't doubt that Mercedes states that they want their people to use the latest, but the book says nothing about not using old parts that meet specs.

Bore: 51.6 - 51.619mm
Bushing: 27.018 - 27.024mm (1st ver)
Center of bore to center of bushing: 148.97 - 149.03mm
Difference in weight: 4g
Bores must be parallel.

There are more. but these are the basics.

It'd be nice if i can find replacements with two or three oiling bores, but I'll take what I can get.

I just got a 20% pay cut at the beginning of the year. I can't buy 6 rods at $236 a piece.

__________________
Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)