OM 603 Head Part Numbers
 

Got my new jewel home this weekend. A 1987 300TD wagon. It has a 603 016 14 01 head that is already off the car. It is cracked between the prechamber hole and the exhaust valve seat on number 4.

I looked at the EPC and this post http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/130613-need-honest-opinion-86-300sdl-6.html?highlight=603+010 Based on this research the newest head part number is 603 010 96 20 and that this is a 22 head. I also looked on Geman eBay and see a head with part number 603 010 95 20. Does anyone know if this part number will work? This part number is not on the EPC.

I believe you need to be a bit careful here.

The latest heads have the angled prechambers and they require a bunch of different hardware to set them up properly.

Dave would know the specifics of this.

It takes some extra machining
 

As far as I can tell, you can use the new head with the old prechambers, locking rings and injectors if you do a little work to the prechamber or to the bore that the prechamber goes into.

I came across the part number and was trying to figure out if it will work for my application. Is Dave gsxr?

Yep, I think he posted regarding that awhile ago.

That's him.;)

And he also knows that Mark DeGroff in Northridge can machine down the later version heads to accept the pre-comb chambers so they seat properly. There is a step on some heads, I haven't seen the problem myself (I am using #14 heads :eek: )
Its better to know this problem can exist and check for fit before installing the head on an engine. Most (but not all) machine shops will see the fit isn't right when assembling the head. You need to use a knowledgeable shop for this kind of work.

The EPC lists the part numbers for ready to use heads (with valve seats, etc.). The numbers embossed on the head are raw part numbers, i.e., you can't buy a casting from the parts counter. You can pretty much match the EPC part numbers with the progression of raw part numbers - 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 (something like that). I don't think DaveM has heard of anything higher than 22. I don't think MB will release a new head 10 years after selling the last engine.

Sixto
... stay tuned

I just felt like saying all that. I realize it doesn't contribute to the discussion :P

Sixto
... stay tuned

was there a #16 head?

There are 14, 15, and 17 for the early versions.

Don't believe anyone ever reported a 16.

The stamping is between the 2nd and 3rd injectors right? It is stamped Mercedes Benz and then a series of numbers underneath? correct? I may be blind:rolleyes5 I thought the whole time it was #14 but I was looking today and it has changed!!! Wow! How did that happen. :P I look again tomorrow.

They are raised casting numbers. You'll need a mirror of some sort. The number that you're interested in is the second to last group of two. 603 XXX 14 00

According to the above post, mine is a 20 but it's an 87. Guess that means it's got a replaced head?. The full numbers read: 603 016 20 01

You are a lucky man! that's definitely an indication someone replaced the head on your engine :clap:
I can't remember who had the later head or if it was off a S350 engine but the lines were all the wrong length, so if it has the later angled injector ports then the inj lines had to be replaced to match. Keep that in mind if you ever go to order a new injector line (they fail from leaks when the plastic clips go missing) then you'll need to specify the right line part numbers. O/W I believe everything else is the same.

That's a great tip, thanks for the heads up. I would have never thought about that and just been pissed trying to make those lines work for hours :rolleyes5

Ah yes it is indeed a #14.:bomb: Great. I continue to stare at the temp gauge:greedy: