Hello,

I tried searching but had difficulty finding anything definite...

I'm looking to use the 5 cyl turbo engine in a conversion for my Rover. What should I look for when looking at used OM617's? What are the indicators of a good vs. bad motor? Any big red flags to look into?

I got the impression that compression was the best indicator, although some seem to disagree. What are ideal vs. worn-out compression numbers for the OM617 turbo? I'm looking into one that the seller claims has 450 on all five cylinders. Seems a little high to me - what do you think?

Sorry for the newbie questions... I just need some good answers ASAP so I can make a purchase very soon.

Thanks so much for any help

-Ethan in Portland, OR
ewmakaro@hotmail.com

cold pressures around 320 is pretty good. minimum around 230 cold. anybody claiming 450 on all four sounds like someone who actually has not run a test.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

first thing is to check the valves. then check the compression... well checking compression first is ok, but if you have any below 260psi, then check the valves on those cylinders. chain strech is another thing to look for.
John

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

How much blue smoke would a 617 motor with 230 cold compression blow, given a rebuilt head, new timing chain and good fuel delivery? Just curious.

That all depends on how bad the rings are, since the head was rebuilt.

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RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

I guess my understanding as to how rings contribute to compression is incorrect. I would assume that if all other variables such as head, fuel delivery were controlled then the compression would tell you almost exactly the condition of the rings. Not so?

It will give an indication of the condition of the rings, and without rings, no compression, but it is not an indicator of how much motor oil it will burn. You can have a very effective wiper ring, but have a bad compression ring. There are some "not so scrupulous" people that will try to re-use old rings on engines they rebuilt themselves and plan on dumping, or they will line up the notches from the rings "so oil can drain".

__________________
RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

OMG, I forgot about that one... HA "I pity the fool"
heh heh.
John

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!