A common failure of OM60x engines is the head gasket between the first cylinder and the chain vault. There is an oil passage there! This results in raw oil being pumped out the exhaust, then power is WAY down, there is smoke and the engine doesn't idle very smoothly. Doesn't happen very often, but has occured in ALL OM601/602/603 engines.

I have had this occur on one of my engines. I have reports of suggestive symptoms from half a dozen people and in each case that I've said I believed this MIGHT be the problem, IT WAS THE PROBLEM. I wish that was because I was REALLY smart, but I suspect it's because I was really lucky. Remember, I didn't see or hear any of these engines except my own - so I'll have to praise the "reporters" on their descriptions! Cost to repair this is the cost of repalcing the head gasket and maybe a timing chain wheile you're there. Not a BIG deal.

I expect that blown turbo oil seals might cause similat symptoms, but the idle wouldn't be really rough. A repaired turbo will usually run about $50 plus a couple of hours of labor.

Do you know how fast it uses oil? The head gasket can get to a couple of qts per tank of fuel.

Marshall