Hey guys,

I am gearing up for a new project. I just sold my Datsun 510 project race car and my 300D is on its last legs. I've got money in the bank.

I want a diesel fintail project. Something quick I can get road worthy in a month or two. I have two big scope questions.

How interchangable are the fintail engines? If I buy a gasoline W111 (not 112, don't want the air suspension,) can I convert it to diesel by buying a rebuilt diesel engine/tranny? What is involved in a gasoline to diesel conversion besides the engine itself?

If I buy a diesel W110, but plan on putting in a new, rebuilt engine/tranny, can I buy and install a larger engine with more power from a later model Mercedes? How about a OM616.912 from a 240D? The extra 25 HP would be really nice.

I am trying to debate whether I should wait around for a fintail in gorgeous, all original condition and buy it for $6000+ or buy a rougher/dead fintail and just put in a solid, rebuilt engine. I'm leaning to the latter.

__________________
Cassidy
1982 MB 300DT - Running Great @ 104K!

1972 MB 220D - RIP @ ~200K (Dropped prechamber)
1992 MB 190E 2.6 - SOLD @ 145K

The latest 616 and 617 don't go easily into a 115 engine bay because of the oil filter housing. I expect the same will be true in a 110/111 engine bay.

You can use the electric engine stop solenoid from a 140 Diesel since there is no 110 key switch with a vacuum switch. Going electric seems easier than adapting a vacuum switch mechanism from a later car. I don't know if the pull stop lever in a 110 Diesel can be made to work with a vacuum stop mechanism IP. There is a stop lever but it seems that sometimes you have to jam the stop lever with force to stop the engine. Floating it down doesn't always stop the engine.

Is the 111 engine bay longer than the 110 engine bay? I know the 111 engine bay will take an M130 which is probably longer than the OM617.

Engine weight might be an issue. I don't know if you can use 108 front springs to keep the 110/111 ride height.

Sixto
93 300SD

Really?...a 617 will fit in a w111? lengthwise I mean...

I never looked much at the oil filter differences, I have an old 64 190D in the project line (last reg'd in 89 & has blown timing chain), was thinking about tossing in a 240 from a 123, looks like engine block mount locations are about the same. But, if a 617 will fit...or could be made to with not too much additional effort... I had also toyed with a Chevy 4.3 (my hotrod side coming out) but it looked like too much work to deal with the oil pan and that crossmember.

Other thought I now have too, since I got my '80 240, it had a blown rod so I tossed the lower end, but still have head and accessories, etc from original 616 engine (got replaced with 617), blocks look very close between the 240 and the 190, wondering if I can make the good 240 top end work on the 190 engine if I find damage inside from the chain loss. Not sure on chamber sizes and bore differences though. 190 engine has no visible damage under valve cover, that's as far as I went so far. Interior upholstery is toast, body is great, one tiny (weldable) rust hole under battery tray in apron.
-Not hijacking the thread just mindlessly rambling...

Do they designate the body as 110 and 111 pending on gas or diesel?

the 110 diesel had 60 hp. the 616.912 in th 123 chassis had 67 hp. Not much difference. I'd stick with the basic engine and get it right.
here's a link for hte models:
http://home.hiwaay.net/~gbf/mbmodels.html

AFAIK there are 110 gas and Diesel but only gas 111s.

Sixto
93 300SD

Ahh I see said the blind man....
So my 64 fintail 4 door with single round headlights is actually a 110 then?....

Does the chassis number begin with 110?

Sixto
93 300SD

You know, thats a very good question.....never looked, just got the title to it finally after having to lien sale it (P.O. disappeared and failed to come up with it as promised) and stuffed it in the lockbox (car is non running)

Lets see here.....by jove it does........

I think I'll paint it black after it runs and grow a fu man chu, then drive around wearing a little black derby hat.....

007 must die....