Just a few Questions Re: SDL 300

-The motor in the 86-87 SDL is known as # ____ ? ie. om60X.XX
-This motor came in cars from year 86-___?
-The 86-87? chassis is known as ____? ie. W123
-Cylinder heads from cars 86-___ will fit the block.
-Cylinder heads from cars of____ years and casting ____ are more desirable because they don't crack.
-The heads crack where? Combustion chamber? Prechamber?

There just seems to be a lot of debate.. I have an issue and I'm having trouble getting a clear answer, so pardon my newbie ignorance.

BTW anybody have a used head in known good shape?

I don't know a lot of those answers, but the engine was the same as the W124 diesel, a 603.X

This might help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W126

__________________
-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

- 601.961

- 86-87 in the SDL. The 87 300D/TD has a very similar 603.960.

- 86-87 SDL = W126, 87 300D/TD = W124

- the cylinder head from any 86-87 300SDL, 87 300D/TD, 90-91 350SD/SDL, 92-93 300SD or 94-95 S350 will fit. However, MB used redesigned prechambers and injectors starting in 90. You can swap a newer head with prechambers and injectors onto an older block, or do some simple machining to older prechambers to make them fit a newer head (with older injectors).

- cylinder heads with a casting number higher than -14- (603-xxx-YY-xx, where YY are the numbers of interest) should be fine. Not that the casting number is not the same as the system part number. Cars from 90 came with -17- heads but I believe there are -15- or -16- heads. The latest 95 S350s might have come with a higher casting number.

- typically between the intake and exhaust valve seats in the #4 cylinder. At least that's what's immediately visible. Cracks also propagate to the water jackets but these take a trained eye and machinist techniques to detect. Rest assured if you see a crack between the valve seats there are cracks elsewhere.

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

Also, it's 300SDL. MB didn't put class before displacement in the model designation until 1994

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

Well, I guess I'm lucky I compression tested #4 cylinder then I guess we've got ourselves a crack.. It tested at 225psi - I tested #6 for a reference compression reading and it was more like 375-400.

Another multipart question for you guys....
What is the transmission code in the 87 - 300 SDL and where can I find out:
1) how much fluid is needed with a filter / fluid change..
2) what type of ATF to use, I am trying to stay budget here.. so keep that in mind..


Thanks in advance!!
This board rocks...

A 300SDL would have come with a 722.321 transmission.

- I don't have access to an owner's manual.

- Dexron III, the common stuff.

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

The trans takes a little less than 7 quarts when you change the filter and drain the converter. I used Mobil One ATF and have no complaints.

Remember to check the soft hoses (about 8" long) that tie the metal trans cooler lines to the radiator. They are cheap enough @ $20.00 each (there are two) from Phil. It's cheap insurance.

__________________
Later.........Gregg

(86) 300 SDL
(00) GMC Yukon XL 4X4
(97) C5 Corvette
(02) BMW R1150GS Adventure
(00) KAW Nomad 1500 FI

Not much to debate, it's factual information.

Yes, I do. For sale? No.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

So are these motors reliable or not ? 1986-87 300SDL

__________________
1985 300D : the clean one 180k miles - Now passed onto my parents.
2000 E39 M5
2002 e46 330xit
1991 mustang notch (project)
1970 chevelle (project)

Very reliable if you don't overheat the original head.

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

Yes. Less to maintain

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]