Greetings and salutations!

A while ago I posted my woes here about my 79 300TD that bit the dust while on vacation, and now the time has come to do something about it. I am going to rebuild the engine, and I am starting to gather the necessary resources together, which brings me to my question:

Can anyone recommend any particular reference materials that I should have, either for the engine specifically, or the car in general? I have been snooping online, and it seems that there are several variations of the factory engine repair manuals depending on what year they were printed, as well as other manuals covering the chassis, body, heating & cooling, etc. I have also seen a cd-rom available for the 123 cars, I am wondering if this has all the printed material, or just a subset. I know when I go into the dealer, they have the complete parts book on the computer, is that on the cd-rom as well?

Also, what is too much to pay for the literature? I have been watching e-bay, and it looks like the engine & body manuals are worth quite a bit, while the parts catalog and the maintenance guide are not worth as much. Any opinions?

Also, while I am at it, any recommendations about special tools? I am a reasonably competent mechanic, I have rebuilt engines before, just not mercedes diesels. I dont mind spending on something that will make a real difference, but I dont want to throw away money either.

Thanks in advance!

-Zach

Get the factory engine manual for the rebuild and the Haynes manual ($13)for general maintenance. I ordered my engine manual and chassis manuals from MB for $120. In my opinion, the Haynes is more user friendly but the factory manual is more accurate. I think the CD has all printed material and seems like a good deal. Do a search, I am sure there are plenty of posts about the pro's and con's of the manuals and the CD.

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
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'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

I agree with SW. I think the Haynes manual will work well for these purposes.s

Special tools I can think of will be a headbolt socket. I bought the MB one, then found out that Lisle makes a set of star sockets that are pretty good and will get the job done for less money. Almost any auto parts store can get Lisle tools.

You will need to pull the pin on the upper drivers side timing chain guide. I had the puller that I needed for my M103 motor so I used it. You can do this with a bolt and socket though.

The valve adjustment wrench set would be a worthwhile investment, especially on the five cylinder, there is one valve in the back that is particularly difficult to adjust even with the wrench set.

You will also need a good set of metric allen sockets.

Beyond these tools, I think all you will need is just a good set of metric combination wrenches and sockets. The MB primarily uses; 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm and 19mm(a 3/4" works perfectly for this one). For any bolts larger than 17mm, it is very easy to fit an english size wrench.

Good luck and keep us posted,