300D Blues
 

Well I can't believe I have to say this, but my '81 300D just got assessed and the engine is shot. Apparently the oil pump failed and it ruined the rest of engine. Needless to say, I am hearbroken but trying to make some smart plans and need some sound advice. I love the car, and am willing to have another engine installed, but wanted to see if anybody has any suggestions. The car is slightly rusted, mainly surface, was running great until this, interior is spotless, and the body needs some routine maintanence. I actually paid $500 for the car a few months ago, and have been trying to find a decent price on another engine since yesterday. The best so far that I have come up with is a used engine with 150K miles for $850. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I may find more around this price range, etc.? Any advice would be helpful!!!!

best deal is
 

to find a car with body damage or cosmetic issues and a good motor. then you can drive it and evaluate the motor under correct conditions. then switch motors. you should be able to buy a car for the same 850 price.

good luck

tom w

It depends on how bad the rust is. I wouldn't put time and money into a car with lots of rust it is a loseing battle. You should be able to find a running 617 for $500 or so I see them in the local paper in my area once in awhile.

..............and, sometimes, you even go over there and buy it.:D

What would I want a 617 for?:D I havn't checked the adds in awhile because their are never any 603 parts in their. But parted out W123/126's with 617's come up.

They are excellent for running around town..................when they start.:D

I must tell you, however, that this one sat at Newark airport for four days and started at 32°F. like it was summertime. Actually, I lied. It had a hint of hunting for about 15 seconds or so and then ran perfectly smooth. No cranking..........no smoke..........no chugging.:)

my parts car started off jumper cables in 10 degree weather in three revolutions smooth as silk with no smoke or bucking.....after sitting 2 years.:D top that one...and it was free for the tow.

That's fantastic. Unbeatable, actually.

I've been acclimated to the 617 starting a bit rough with some smoke and some crank time (3-5 seconds) in the cold.

Amazing what new valves and proper injection timing will do.;)

Mine fired right off this morning when the temps were in the high 20's. Amazing what new glow plugs will do, I still have 15w-40 dino in the sump to. If I can get it to start down to 20 with the dino screw spending $40 on synthetic I'll plug it in below that.

yeah these can take a lot of abuse and neglect before they stop running....


THe car the engine was in is basicly a lost cause (terminal cancer) with a few good parts on it...well worth what it cost in diesel and trailer rental costs to get it home..