Engine swap: rebuilt vs. used-Need Advice - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-25-2006, 01:53 PM

A couple of months ago i fractured my second crankshaft, and my mechanic tells me it's a defect in the engine, so he says i need to replace it. Yesterday, he gives me two options: a used engine with only 100,000 miles on it for $2975, or a newly rebuilt engine (that he did himself) for $5200. The car is an 84 300D in very good condition. I really love the car and it's one that i'd like to drive for many years into the future, so i'm kinda leaning towards the rebuild. So i'd like to know what you guys think about this, and whether or not this guys prices seem reasonable. He's a very reputable mechanic in the area, but he is the only mercedes mechanic besides the dealership in a 100 mile radius. I'd greatly appreciate any advice you guys could offer. Thanks

Boatjockey1 · #2 10-25-2006, 02:08 PM

Ryan,

I had a 81 turbo with 400,000 on it and was still running well. I recently sold because of interior, paint and other issues but loved the car. I would think that I would go for the used engine if he has a guar. with it. I would also ask if he has info on that engine verified etc. That engine should run you as long as you wish to keep the car.

Boatjockey1

BobK · #3 10-25-2006, 02:09 PM

I'd have to have a gold plated certification for the 100k miles on the replacement engine. Most used engines have a lot more. That being said, I think the price is high. Just my opinion.

seo · #4 10-25-2006, 02:25 PM

My take on it that the 617 engine lasts longer than the 123 body does, particularly up north. Up here it's not unusual to find a car with a perfectly good engine that can't pass inspection because of body rust, so they sell for very little money. On that basis, $2,500 for a used engine sounds like a lot.
I have been told that unless the engine is run without oil the main bearings will last practically forever. I don't know this by direct experience. On that basis, I wonder a little about your mechanic. Exactly what was wrong with the engine that made it break two cranks?

vstech · #5 10-25-2006, 02:31 PM

I am guessing the 2700 includes installation and new hoses, filters, etc. still sounds a bit high, but labor rates in your area and the limited MB techs there may justify it. the engine should only cost around 600.00 most pul-aparts will only charge 100.00, but you gotta go get the motor.
John

rs899 · #6 10-25-2006, 02:42 PM

Both prices are high, IMO, but the used engine price is ridiculously high. The rebuilt engine price reflects some very expensive parts (pistons). I really think the OM617s should be entrusted to specialists like Metric Motors in CA or possibly Noels here in Orlando that do a lot of Mercedes engines. Both of those can get you an engine for a bit more than $5K, I think. If you go with the local guy (or anyone, really) you need to ask them what is new and what is being reused, etc.

Rick

#7 10-25-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

I really think the OM617s should be entrusted to specialists like Metric Motors in CA or possibly Noels here in Orlando that do a lot of Mercedes engines. Both of those can get you an engine for a bit more than $5K, I think.

Metric lists a long block for $5750 and a short block for $3100:

http://www.mercedesengines.net/products.asp?cat=40

I would assume at least another $1000 for labor, shipping, and assorted parts. I wouldn't bother with a used engine if you are planning on keeping the car.

Old300D · #8 10-25-2006, 04:48 PM

My used engine cost me $400, and that was from a person who pulled it from a U-pull-it for $150. I'd go used, but not for $3k.

bgkast · #9 10-25-2006, 05:18 PM

I second (third?) the used engine, but don't pay that price!

I got my used engine for $750. I could have found one for much less if I had had time to shop around more, but I had to get the car going ASAP. Should be 10 hrs max shop time.

riethoven · #10 10-26-2006, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEBREN

A couple of months ago i fractured my second crankshaft, and my mechanic tells me it's a defect in the engine, so he says i need to replace it. Yesterday, he gives me two options: a used engine with only 100,000 miles on it for $2975, or a newly rebuilt engine (that he did himself) for $5200. The car is an 84 300D in very good condition. I really love the car and it's one that i'd like to drive for many years into the future, so i'm kinda leaning towards the rebuild. So i'd like to know what you guys think about this, and whether or not this guys prices seem reasonable. He's a very reputable mechanic in the area, but he is the only mercedes mechanic besides the dealership in a 100 mile radius. I'd greatly appreciate any advice you guys could offer. Thanks

How did your crank break twice? I searched posts and could not find anything on broken cranks. Found a few sheered off balancers and broken timing chains, but no broken cranks. Although years ago I can remember hearing that the 5 cyl. Mercedes diesels OM617 were known to break cranks, but that is just hearsay.

Especially if you are not doing your own work, go for the new motor and try and negotiate the warranty to cover as many miles as possible. Think of it as having a car payment for 18 mos. or so. That is 288.89/ month.

t walgamuth · #11 10-26-2006, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riethoven

How did your crank break twice? I searched posts and could not find anything on broken cranks. Found a few sheered off balancers and broken timing chains, but no broken cranks. Although years ago I can remember hearing that the 5 cyl. Mercedes diesels OM617 were known to break cranks, but that is just hearsay.

Especially if you are not doing your own work, go for the new motor and try and negotiate the warranty to cover as many miles as possible. Think of it as having a car payment for 18 mos. or so. That is 288.89/ month.

ether?

tom w

seo · #12 10-27-2006, 10:16 PM

I'm still interested in the idea of two broken cranks in one engine, particularly because 617 engines seem to have a reputation for bullet-proof bottom ends.
The only engines I ever knew that broke cranks was the very first series of Detroit v8-92,s which actually had a defective block casting, so first the entire journal casting broke loose, and then the crank broke. Then the very early 3512 Cats broke cranks, but that was the same thing, defective casting. I once saw a Perkins four cylinder diesel in a boat that broke the crank off clean and straight inside a main bearing. But that was a brit engine, three dinky little mains, and a whippy crank to begin with.
Beyond that, how are you going to break a crank? If you run out of oil, don't the bearing seize before the crank breaks? And if you over-rev, usually you throw a rod in my lurid experience.
So the first broken crank could be a fluke of some kind, internal flaw, like that. But then you put a new crank in and it breaks again. Either this is a one-in-a-million deal, or the mechanic missed some problem, or the operator is doing something wrong.
seo

compress ignite · #13 10-27-2006, 11:01 PM

Both now offer the same warranty as factory O.E. 4 years or 50,000 miles.
Which may be a better engine than Mercedes put in originally.Noels will
slap a new head on the reman block!

OR

$1,500.00 U.S. for a "Good" used engine (with Compression figures and a
reasonable warranty -6 months-.) Is all that you should have to pay.