Hi
I need a turbo diesel engine for my boat. I think a Mercedes might do the job. I have a lot of questions and not many answers. I'm new to Mercedes engines so many of my questions might be a little stupid. I need 125 to 150 Horsepower.

What years were 5 and 6 cylinder engines made?

Any idea of the weight of these engines?

Any idea what horsepower goes with which engine?

Which is a good common engine with 125-150 HP?

Is there a size weight difference between the 3 and 3.5 liter engines?

Where is a good place to get a used one?

What is a reasonable price for a used engine?
Don

Salsa,

I know a little about boats and very little about mercedes diesels - dangerous combo. I have seen, when browsing through internet web pages, several conversations about installing a 617 mercedes diesel in a boat. This is a 5 cylinder diesel that produces (turbo version) about 125 hp. It has good rep for durability. Lots of them around in old mercedes (late seventies to mid eighties) and can be had from rebuild shops. My car is a '85 300CD with this engine and I am most impressed with it.

Try to find some sites on the web where there is a discussion about how this installation is done....type in related words on Yahoo or some other search engine. You'll find some help.

Nic

I wish I had more information for you. I make my living working on marine diesels. I've never seen a mercedes diesel in a boat but I have read about them. The 617 series (5 cyl)would make an excelent candidate for conversion. There is an italian company that made a conversion kit. you would need a marine exhaust manifold, a raw water pump and a raw water to coolant heat exchanger. Then you have some bellhousing flywheel transmission issues to deal with. A borg warner transmission would make a good choice. Good luck to you and let me know if you find a good source for the parts.

Bob D.

Converting a 5 cyl is a piece of cake if you use an 81-84. I looked at some yesterday. The later ones have a hot section between the exhaust manifold and the turbo. It would be almost impossible to use an intercooler.
All you need to do to convert them is use a turbowrap insulation for the exhaust manifold and hot section of the turbo, and add a raw water pump. I have converted 2 this way and using transfer screws to locate the centers for adapting the transmission.
I was interested in the reliability and weight and space issues. The engines are a little large for my space, but I might have to make space.
Thanks for the help.
Don