Changing 617 Engine - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

02HD677 · #31 08-31-2006, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmarzan

Sorry I am not following here... What is your original plan? Are you going to pull the whole thing or just the engine?

I have yet to install my donor 617 in my 300D, but when I was taking it out of the donor car, I had no trouble getting to the upper bolts. The trick is to have swivel sockets, a swivel joint, extensions that you can connect to be a few feet long and someone to guide you to the upper bolts while your under the trans. As far as getting it back together… I have yet to find this out! But I am planning to keep the trans in the car. Wish me luck!

If you jack up the rear end, that would help with the angle. As far as sliding the engine ahead, In the 300D you will have to remove the radiator and possibly the A/C condenser to be able to move the engine forward. I had no problems here. In the SD, I imagine it would be similar.

My original plan was to pull the engine/tranny as a unit. I was hoping I might be able to take just the engine out without all the other stuff under the car. From what I have been able to find out. Getting the 617 out of a 126 by itself is a lot more difficult than in 123. That sounds logical. I also understand the upper trans bolts are much more difficult to get to in the 126 compared to the 123. I guess because of differences with the firewall shape/configuration. I always pull the radiator/condenser for this kind of procedure (then again, I have only done about 6 engine/tranny transplants ... none of which have been Benz diesels). I just don't want to chance screwing either of them up because they are both only a couple years old. I am definitely planning on lifting the rear end as high as I can get it!

soothappens · #32 03-06-2010, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02HD677

My original plan was to pull the engine/tranny as a unit. I was hoping I might be able to take just the engine out without all the other stuff under the car. From what I have been able to find out. Getting the 617 out of a 126 by itself is a lot more difficult than in 123. That sounds logical. I also understand the upper trans bolts are much more difficult to get to in the 126 compared to the 123. I guess because of differences with the firewall shape/configuration. I always pull the radiator/condenser for this kind of procedure (then again, I have only done about 6 engine/tranny transplants ... none of which have been Benz diesels). I just don't want to chance screwing either of them up because they are both only a couple years old. I am definitely planning on lifting the rear end as high as I can get it!

Any one know the outcome on this . I have the same dilemma. Trans and engine or just engine . My top radiator support comes off and out of the way does it still need the steep angle ?

.

rhodes2010 · #33 03-07-2010, 12:55 AM

I have not done a 126 yet. But the advice to do engine/trans as a unit
was good for me on the 123.

I used a load leveler , raised the rear end.

alfa 75 · #34 03-07-2010, 11:06 AM

This experience is from a w123 617, not a w126 617: the top two transmission bolts are indeed very tough to get to but they're not impossible, either. If I remember right I got to them from the bottom of the car, used a long extension on the ratchet and worked on them little by little. Not the most efficient way (swivel sockets like DeliveryValve said would help tremendously) but worst case scenario it will get you by.

That Fiat 600 is great, bytheway.

DeliveryValve · #35 03-07-2010, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soothappens

Any one know the outcome on this . I have the same dilemma. Trans and engine or just engine . My top radiator support comes off and out of the way does it still need the steep angle ?

.

Did you cut the support off? It's supposed to be welded on there.

I've done few installs and removals both ways since my earlier post.
I lean towards leaving the trans the car if you don't have any help.
I don't mind getting under the car and removing the upper trans bolt. My issue is maneuvering a one piece unit. The engine alone is much easier. Also, I think connecting the trans and engine together was easier when the trans is in the car.

.

chasinthesun · #36 03-07-2010, 12:26 PM

Its a bear to handle this engine weight by yourself not to mention safer ,2 man job in my opinion.The one we swapped was out of a running and driving parts car donor, once we got it up out of the car it really seemed like the engine hoist was at its limit ,rent one thats good and can handle that engines weight and a load leveler is a must.Its a 5 hr job just to pull ,another hr to get the grease off.If no ones mentioned it yet ,powerwash the engine with 6 cans of engine degreaser ,youll be much happier while working.

soothappens · #37 03-08-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasinthesun

Its a bear to handle this engine weight by yourself not to mention safer ,2 man job in my opinion.The one we swapped was out of a running and driving parts car donor, once we got it up out of the car it really seemed like the engine hoist was at its limit ,rent one thats good and can handle that engines weight and a load leveler is a must.Its a 5 hr job just to pull ,another hr to get the grease off.If no ones mentioned it yet ,powerwash the engine with 6 cans of engine degreaser ,youll be much happier while working.

How about 1 man 1 woman

its the wifes car and she insists on helping pull it.

We got the engine hoist covered I'm lucky enough to have a service truck with a 6,000lb autocrane . When pressure washing are there any electricals I need to watch out for on the 126 ?

Quote:

DeliveryValve

Did you cut the support off? It's supposed to be welded on there.

I think connecting the trans and engine together was easier when the trans is in the car.

I guess they took it loose when they installed this engine (new long block) They reinstalled it with pop rivets. One side is broken loose probably the reason for welding it.

My thoughts exactly on the transmission. Thats the way Ive done it on other cars . Just wasnt to sure on this one . Everything I read says to pull trans with it I'm guessing because of the top bolts ?

Thanks guys !