Need New Head...where's Best Place To Buy??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300sdlguy · #1 12-21-2004, 02:36 PM

Not having to replace a 603 head, and being new to this sight I figured I'd ask what the latest news is on the best place to get the best head for the best price and any other information I need to know before making a purchase. Are the heads going to come "ready to drop in" or will they need adjustments my non-Mercedes tool owning mechanic will have to make? Thanks for any and all advice in advance.

#2 12-21-2004, 04:52 PM

You could ask Phil here at Fastlane, the forum sponcer, or you could try Adsitco.com, or maybe consider a used head.

New, they come bare, and if your going to reuse your precombustion chambers you will have to modify them for the new head.

Try the search here on OM603 heads or cracked 603 heads and you will find a trove of info....BB

Lance Allison · #3 12-21-2004, 07:45 PM

I was advised to contact Metric Motors for a replacement head for my 603. I did just that a few years ago and ended up with a NEW (not rebuilt) head with new valves and springs for around $2200. Excellent results so far.

Too bad I can't say that about my experience with the folks that provided the labor.

My car runs super now though.

Good luck.

300sdlguy · #4 12-22-2004, 10:59 AM

Called Metric motors: This is what they stated

NEW HEAD: $1,700.00 (add $450.00 for all new valves, springs and seals installed). Total $2,150.00

REBUILT: all the machine work plus new guides, seals, springs assembly $1,750.00

Either version does not include the prechambers, camshaft, or lifters.

Can the prechamber mod be done my a regular mechanic? What other costs will I encounter?

Is the extra $400 worth it for the "new" head?

P.E.Haiges · #5 12-22-2004, 12:37 PM

300SDLguy,

You should have them put in the prechambers too. That way you will have ones that fit OK installed. I think I would go for a new head and make sure its a 17 or higher, preferable higher.

If you get a rebuilt head, also make sure it is a 17 or higher. Its the 14 that's the problem one. No sense putting on a head that might crack like the 14s do.

Ask Metric if they will use your valves and springs to save some money.

P E H

goldenbear · #6 12-22-2004, 12:58 PM

Agree with P E H - go for the new head, preferably a -22, and see if they can use your existing valves and springs. Otherwise, everything seems right. Best of luck.

rdanz · #7 12-22-2004, 03:58 PM

Where on the head is the Number located?

#8 12-22-2004, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdanz

Where on the head is the Number located?

Numbers are cast into the head below the second intake port back from the front of the head. A sequence of numbers will include a single number such as 14 or very rare 15 or 17 or 22. Try to get a 22 head as this is the most recent upgrade. There might be some heads with numbers between 17 and 22 also. Doubt you could get a new 14, 15, but there might be some new 17's around, but doubt that too!

BB

300sdlguy · #9 12-23-2004, 01:50 AM

I found a head from a 1991 350SDL its rebuilt and $1,200, but the shop says its has the above listed number 603 016 18 01. In all my searching I have not seen anyone mention that there is an "18" model head. Does anyone know it one exists, does the price seem okay? There is a 90 day warranty but only if I replace my radiator and waterpump.

Alan Hamm · #10 12-23-2004, 07:41 AM

I have never heard of a 1991 300 SDL. That could be the problem. I believe the 1991's were 350 SDL's which is surly a different head.

mplafleur · #11 12-23-2004, 09:46 AM

I believe that head should be fine. I think the heads on the 300s and 350s are all the same.

I just looked at Adsit. You can get a rebuilt head for $1615.

http://www.adsitco.com/catalog/productdetail.asp?ID=6252

300sdlguy · #12 12-27-2004, 09:40 PM

I found a rebuilt head for $945 including shipping. It is from a 1991 300SDL 3.5 liter. Seems like a decent deal, but before I purchase, can anyone tell me exactly what modifications are needed, I understand the prechambers need to be milled a bit, but not sure about other mods. and their respective difficulty for a mechanic who has never worked on a 300SDL diesel before? Am I going to have to purchase a prechamber removal tool and other tools?

goldenbear · #13 12-28-2004, 09:57 AM

What's the number on the head? As Alan stated earlier, there is no such thing as a '91 300SDL, so it's a head from a 350SDL.

300sdlguy · #14 12-28-2004, 11:03 AM

It was a typo, just used to typing, saying and having a 300SDL. I DO understand the 1990-91's are the 3.5L 350 SD & SDL's .

According to the seller, the number is 603 016 18 01. I asked if anyone knew of an "18", and if this number could be correct, but nobody responded, except to tell me there wasn't a 300SDL in 90 or 91.

goldenbear · #15 12-28-2004, 11:05 AM

Hmmm....in 4 years of following 603 head related threads, I've never heard of an -18 head, but this could be the first.