It's a 1986 300SDL, the only Benz I've got, so yes, it has a 603 aluminum engine. That's one reason this was my first guess.

I've been watching for "white smoke" ever since I noticed I was having trouble, and have not observed any. When I drop the hammer, I just get the grey/black cloud of unburned diesel that I'm accustomed to.

thanks for the info about where to look for the casting number. I'll go out after supper and see if it's a #14 or higher. I suspect I'll find a 14, because I have a nagging suspicion I've read that number before and didn't know what I was looking at. But I'll post back.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL