#14 head for 603 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

loneranger · #1 02-27-2007, 09:20 AM

How much is a good #14 head for a 603 engine worth?

Marcb · #2 02-27-2007, 02:07 PM

FWIW, I sold a known good #14 from an engine for $90 plus shipping... I couldn't get any more than that and was happy to get it out of my shop.

Brian Carlton · #3 02-27-2007, 02:27 PM

I'd certainly pay $100. for one. A new replacement is close to $2K!!

But, it would have to be crack free.

vstech · #4 02-27-2007, 02:51 PM

a new replacement would not be a #14. it would be a #22 most likely.

Hit Man X · #5 02-27-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

I'd certainly pay $100. for one. A new replacement is close to $2K!!

But, it would have to be crack free.

Same, any 603 top end parts are usually worth some green.

BodhiBenz1987 · #6 02-27-2007, 03:25 PM

My problem with buying a 14 head, even if it had no cracks, would be that if I were going to go through all the effort and money of replacing a head, I'd want it to be one that isn't likely to crack. Even if you get a good 14 head for really cheap, why go through all that effort to perhaps stumble into the same problem again? I'd rather just spend more money on a redesigned head and feel confident that I wouldn't have to do the job again. I think a lot of people might share that sentiment, but I could be wrong.

jfikentscher · #7 02-27-2007, 03:31 PM

If anyone has onr for sale at $100.00, I'll buy it!

jshadows · #8 02-27-2007, 04:40 PM

I've purchased two used 603 heads. The first one (#17) was guranteed to be warp/crack free. Machine shop immediately concluded that it was warped beyond repairable spec. so it went back for a refund. The second was a #22 and this one was just barely within spec. after the flattening cut.

My biggest hesitation with ANY used 603 is the ability to rebuild it without having to get a thicker head gasket.

#22 was $1200 complete from a wrecker. complete being cam, cam gear, and injectors. Speaking of which I have a full set of 603 angled injectors that need new nozzles if anyone is interested

Brian Carlton · #9 02-27-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

Even if you get a good 14 head for really cheap, why go through all that effort..........

Because you save $2K and most #14 heads do not crack.

BodhiBenz1987 · #10 02-27-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Because you save $2K and most #14 heads do not crack.

I guess I'm a little naive about head prices ... didn't think we were talking about a $2k difference. I also suppose for an experienced mechanic, replacing a head is not as big a deal as it seems to me. I do understand that not all 14 heads just crack left and right assuming you don't overheat the engine, but I just figured a 17 or 22 would be preferable ... guess I thought you could get one cheaper, though ...

If I were putting another 14 on my engine, though, I would definately want a good history of the car it came off of. Although I guess if it doesn't have any cracks, it doesn't have any cracks.

All this said, if I need a new head at this point in the game, I'd have my indy do it and would trust his choice in what to put on it. I think a head replacement would be tough without a garage ... or tools or experience or help.

dieseldiehard · #11 02-27-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

I guess I'm a little naive about head prices ... didn't think we were talking about a $2k difference. I also suppose for an experienced mechanic, replacing a head is not as big a deal as it seems to me. I do understand that not all 14 heads just crack left and right assuming you don't overheat the engine, but I just figured a 17 or 22 would be preferable ... guess I thought you could get one cheaper, though ...

If I were putting another 14 on my engine, though, I would definately want a good history of the car it came off of. Although I guess if it doesn't have any cracks, it doesn't have any cracks.

All this said, if I need a new head at this point in the game, I'd have my indy do it and would trust his choice in what to put on it. I think a head replacement would be tough without a garage ... or tools or experience or help.

Yes they are either good or not. Only buy a used (or new for that matter) head with a right to return if its tested and discovered to be cracked/
I opted for a used #14 head from Potomac German and it was pressure tested before and after a skim cut and it was fine. Its still on my 603 daily driver. I was desperate to get the project finished. It ran me $700 something with cam, lifters and most importantly, PC chambers which I didn't have since I bought a car with an engine less head (long story).
I think too many folks that read about the cracked head assume that the 603 is to be avoided because they are all going to crack sooner or later. Ha!

leaves the opportunities for someone like me!
Now if I could only find a 350SD with a bent rod!

Brian Carlton · #12 02-27-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldiehard

I think too many folks that read about the cracked head assume that the 603 is to be avoided because they are all going to crack sooner or later. Ha!

leaves the opportunities for someone like me!

Now, what did you go and do that for?

Nobody wanted a #14 head and they can be had dirt cheap. Now, with all this new info, they probably doubled in price.

dieseldiehard · #13 02-27-2007, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Now, what did you go and do that for?

Nobody wanted a #14 head and they can be had dirt cheap. Now, with all this new info, they probably doubled in price.

Maybe so, Brian !

I just spotted one on CL - asking $700
Seller informed me that its a #14.
"Reply to: sale-283648691@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-02-23, 5:36PM PST
I have a 6 cyl diesel engine (OM603) for sale. The engine frooze from oil pump failure but everything except the crankshaft and oil pump are usable. The price is for the head only but let me know if you need any other parts. The head will be for the following cars : 1986/87 300SDL, 1987 300TD wagon and 1987 300D. If you have one these cars and your engine is overheating, you may have a cracked head and/or blown head gasket."

[/QUOTE]

Brian Carlton · #14 02-27-2007, 07:20 PM

Nobody would pay $700. for it. Now, you're in a realm where the risk/reward ratio just swung the other way..........

Hit Man X · #15 02-27-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

My problem with buying a 14 head, even if it had no cracks, would be that if I were going to go through all the effort and money of replacing a head, I'd want it to be one that isn't likely to crack. Even if you get a good 14 head for really cheap, why go through all that effort to perhaps stumble into the same problem again? I'd rather just spend more money on a redesigned head and feel confident that I wouldn't have to do the job again. I think a lot of people might share that sentiment, but I could be wrong.

What if you're trying to unload the vehicle? Would you want to drop all the cash for an updated head?

I've got more than one updated wrapped up in my garage JUST in case I need them, I doubt it but better safe than sorry.