Came across a rod bender that had bent its rod today - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

braverichard · #16 03-03-2005, 10:32 AM

Rebuilding that engine is not an option. Waay too much damage has been done to it. All that overheating may have cracked the head as well. The engine is junk as far as I'm concerned.

#17 03-03-2005, 11:34 AM

Richard, Sounds like it may be a big project. You need to do as you say do some more follow ups. I think a 603 from an '86 SDL would work perfect. Get that #18 head. Check out the tranny, a/c, heater, suspension system it' all could be a major factor in repairing this car. Might end up running you 10K after all is said and done.

braverichard · #18 03-03-2005, 12:07 PM

I'd like to keep as much of the car as possible. Since the dealer has all the service records for it (which were thankfully all left in the glove box by the PO), I'll go there today and spend some time going through all of them to see what has been done and what hasn't. If the A/C work has been done that would be a huge plus. I already know it has a new alternator, water pump and radiator and that helps. I wouldn't mind purchasing a rebuilt 3.5L 603 and using it to replace the one in there, but I have to be guaranteed that the flaw that results in the rod bending would have been eliminated in the process of rebuilding it, otherwise I won't even purchase it. So far, seems like the safest route is to get an engine from an SDL. We'll see.
Thanks for your suggestions,

Richard

Rick Miley · #19 03-03-2005, 01:23 PM

Check with Metric Motors and Noel's about rebuilds. They both have stellar reputations. Adsit's reputation - not so good. You probably didn't want an engine from them anyway.

Brian Carlton · #20 03-03-2005, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mplafleur

C'mon, a good bodied '86-87 SDL w/bad engine is worth $2k.

What do you need to do other than replace the con-rods, the head gasket, etc?

Doesn't sound all that expensive. (wait, plus the liners, or 1st over work) If I didn't already have an SDL to rebuild and a garage to build, I'd jump all over it. I'd love a w140 diesel.

After thinking about it a bit, I agree. It's worth more than $2K.

However, I do believe that you have to price it using the worst possible scenario for replacing the engine. If a person was to have this done by an outside mechanic, the best possible cost will be in the area of $8K. So, if you spend $4K for it, you now have $12K in it. Naturally, if you go the route of a 603.961 then your costs will be reduced, however, this should not increase the amount that you would be willing to pay.

My original thoughts were based upon its value approaching $12K retail, in good condition, however, a 1995 vehicle is probably worth more than this amount.

Hatterasguy · #21 03-03-2005, 02:29 PM

I would just get another short block. Price a rebuilt one from the places Rick sudjested and a new one from MB. Last I checked a brand new short block with a 4 year warranty from MB was about $5k for my car. The head is probably fine and with only 170k on it I wouldn't touch the head. I would just send it out to make sure it is straight, and maybe, maybe do valve seals.

I would replace the timing chain and get the IP and injectors tested thats about it. Bolt it all back together and run the sucker.

If you think about it you really only need a short block, I wouldn't waste money on a long block.

braverichard · #22 03-03-2005, 02:30 PM

KBB is about $14K. Close examples have recently been sold for between $12K and $15K according to Edmunds.com.

Maybe I should just do this for the money. Get a used 3.5L engine, drop it in there and resell the car and make the money. After reviewing several factors, I've decided that I can't own that car as well as my 300SD. So it's either one or the other. I absolutely love the W140 chassis both for reasons we all know I think the answer is obvious. I'm still shooting for a '99 S600 - one of my ultimate dream cars - for someday, but for now, I'll keep just one oil burner.

Well I'm off to the dealer. I'll look over the car and the receipts thoroughly this time.

braverichard · #23 03-03-2005, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

I would just get another short block. Price a rebuilt one from the places Rick sudjested and a new one from MB. Last I checked a brand new short block with a 4 year warranty from MB was about $5k for my car. The head is probably fine and with only 170k on it I wouldn't touch the head. I would just send it out to make sure it is straight, and maybe, maybe do valve seals.

I would replace the timing chain and get the IP and injectors tested thats about it. Bolt it all back together and run the sucker.

If you think about it you really only need a short block, I wouldn't waste money on a long block.

I really should be leaving now...

But Hattie, this car was overheated badly and resulted in a blown headgasket. Given the aluminum construction and the fact that "smoke was coming out of the hood" during the overheating, the head could also be cracked. Don't you think so?

Rick Miley · #24 03-03-2005, 02:38 PM

As an aside, almost every time the subject of the rod bender comes up, someone asks if the engine was fixed sometime during the production run, and isn't there some point at which they were "safe?" Hopefully, this example provides our definitive answer. Even in the last year of production for the U.S., the 3.5 can be a rod bender. Parts were redesigned along the way, and a replacement can be considered safe, but none of the original ones were.

And before the 3.5 lovers start flaming me, I didn't say that they will be rod benders, only that they can be. It's just a roll of the dice.

Hatterasguy · #25 03-03-2005, 02:42 PM

The head is probably fine, remember this isn't a 14 head it is probably an 18 and up. Besides thats why you should send it to a machine shop to get it checked out. But if you are planning on selling it just get a used engine and swap them out, it should take a weekend.

michakaveli · #26 03-03-2005, 05:45 PM

Shee-it.... I've gotten so excited about this w140 I WANT PICTURES!!!!

billrei · #27 03-03-2005, 05:50 PM

Any bets he chickens out?

Brian Carlton · #28 03-03-2005, 06:17 PM

I bet he takes it, especially if he can get them down to $4.5 or so.

Hatterasguy · #29 03-03-2005, 09:47 PM

I'd buy that car if it was closer, and I would get a good price for it to. $4,500 to $5k. I bet I could get it road worthy for $8k-$9k total and stick it on ebay and it should bring at least $12k.

Or I would buy a new short block from MB with a 4 year warranty and go through everything else and keep it. It would make one heck of a ride for my mom.

A diesel W140 with an engine you know is good would be a nice car.

HerbPhillips · #30 03-03-2005, 10:49 PM

No discussion. It would already be mine if I knew where it was....

You boys need to remember that a decent w140 diesel is worth around $15k or more...

I just sold my 1993 300SD, and I now have a 1994 s350 with 103 k that I have a few people fighting over @ $15,500

My last 1991 350SDL went for north of $16k..

The local dealership just did a 1991 350SDL with a bad #1 rod @ 103k. MBNA sent a new set of redesigned rods, and a new head to the dealership to complete the task. Total for concern was $5500, with a warranty from mercedes.

That car needs to be put back on the road, (or sold to me).

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