Hi everyone,

I just got a new (old) 240D project and I am about to jump into an engine overhaul. This being my first diesel, I am very excited about tearing into this baby. It is a tired, oil burner that suffers from a lot of blow-by and low compression.

I've got the engine out, but haven't yet gotten things torn down to take a good measurement of the bores or anything yet, so I don't have a good idea of whether I'm going oversize or with new sleeves. In either case, the question is what questions should I ask of the machine shop people? Such as whether it is important whether they have experience with Benz diesels, what to look for or ask, etc. I hate to ask such a newby question like this but I would rather look stupid here on the net than look stupid in person at the shop.

Thanks for all of the advice that everyone has provided to me in the past here. I just wish that I had some good knowledge to return the favor. Thank, Jim

Greetings Jim,

I wouldn't just jump into this project as you have unless you verified that the engine is shot. Most of the times folks think their Benz has gone to the dogs and come to find out that minor adjustments and repairs equaling less that a hundred bucks has put their Benz on the road for another 50 -100,000 miles. Seeing as you already have the engine out and seemed determined to spend money, I'd get the MB diesel manual, in hardbound for that engine and read it thoroughly to familarize yourself with every aspect of what will require replacement and what measurements need to be taken to ensure a good rebuild. Unless your rebuilder knows what he is doing and has done so before on a Mercedes diesel, he's bound to make mistakes on reassembly because MB labels or arrows specific parts to go back together a certain way with specific torque or radius degree tightening. Unless you're willing to have a Benz garage to the work, do your homework first before approaching your rebuilder. It will save you headaches, money and probably your engine rebuild from being screwed up the first time around.

Charles

are you planning on doing a full restoration on this car or do you have sentimental value in it? Because the cost of a new/rebuilt engine is going to cost as much as purchasing another 240D.

But anyway, with diesel engines, they are sleeved new so you can have them resleeved. Take it to a place with expereince and a good warranty.