How much for a 603?
 

I got a lead on a nice '87 SDL, but it has no engine. What are the going rates for a good used or rebuilt unit?

Thanks!

I can buy one for $500 but it comes with the old #14 head. I am skeptical about the future reliability of the engine.

I have seen used 603 engines for sale anywhere from $1000. to $2500

I had a link that located nationwide and showed as many as 20 or 30 available at any given time but have lost that link when I changed ISP's a couple of weeks ago.

I did see it in the many links Whunter offered a month or so ago! I think it was something that appeared like carparts.com, but that is not the site, maybe someone can chime in here. Cant find Whunters links either! Brain dead tonight!!! BB

Oh, rebuilds can range upward from 5 grand, and unless the car is really imac, I would think a rebuild might boarder line to cost prohibative!

http://car-part.com/


There it is!

Also note that 124 87300D also uses the same engine, so look under 124, as well as 126.

What shape is this 300SDL, and how much are they asking?

A new crate motor from MB is a little over $13k.

A rebuilt one with a new head will run you about $7k

A good used one is probably in the $1k-$3k range. Make sure to get a compression test done and go over it before shelling out money.

Try to find a good running complete SDL that was hit hard in the side or rear. Or is being eaten by rust. Pick one up for $1k and you get everything you need and then some.

Miami Area--$1500 for a GOOD low mileage engine(less then 80k miles)-guarenteed--from a local reputable recyler. No Junk! :sun_smile

How could you test for a bad head on a junkyard engine? My understanding is that pressure testing the cooling system wouldn't show a problem until it is really bad. Oil in the coolant? Coolant in the oil? I can buy two of these engines for $500 each but $1000 worth of scrap metal won't do me any good.

Take a sample of the oil and send it out, they will read flag any coolant or strange wear. I would also get a compression test.


Before spending money on a used engine know what you are getting. Sure it may run fine but the compression may be marginal. I would hold out for a very strong example.

I like the oil sample idea, I think they can test coolant also. I can do the compression check and test run it for oil pressure and noises.

My 603 has always run fantastic. The fuel economy generally runs up above 29 on summer fuel. Plenty of power (11 sec to 60) and almost no smoke. No pressure in the cooling system and insignificant loss of coolant.

Had the oil sampled and tested for the first time after 5K on the oil.

Sodium: 62 ppm

Potassium: 96 ppm


:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: You never can tell without the analysis.

I'm confused Brian? :confused: What do those mean?

Hattie, they are byproducts of coolant evaporation. When the coolant hits the hot oil, the water evaporates instantly. Sodium and potassium are the remnants.

The amount is not all that high, so, I'm not in any danger, but, the handwriting is on the wall. It's either a head gasket or .......................................... :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

I just checked mine, after 3k miles I only had 1ppm of Sodium.

Ouch, but you have the updated head so it is probably your head gasket.

See know you will know how to do a head gasket on a 617 and 603!

Terrific. :o

Thank you for the replies. I think it is worth picking up at $1,200; it was well maintained and looks mint (other than missing an engine). I can get another '87 with a good engine for $400 (body is very well rotted from being in ME all it's life). I still have access to a machine shop so I'll rebulid it before I put it in. Will a #14 head always fail even if it doesn't get overheated?