I own a 1990 350SDL w/150,000 mi that recently leaked coolant and caused it to overheat. A mechanic said it is probably a leaking water jacket and the motor is probably junk but have not done a teardown to see if that is the problem for sure. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with this. The mechanic said it was "normal" with this engine but it would cost $8000 to replace motor. I love car and would like to keep it. Can this motor be replaced easily with another cheaper, more reliable engine easily(any brand)?? I would like to convert it or the new motor to SVO so a engine that converts well to that would be great. Not sure where to go from here so looking for any/all suggestions. Thanks.

davis_321
Cale

There are options like a replacement motor like from the SD, or look for a wrecked on that had the motor with the updated rods installed.

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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.

99 W210 E300 Turbo Diesel, chipped, DPF/Converter Delete. Still needs EGR Delete, 232K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

Gone and still missed...1982 w123 300D, 1991 w124 300D

Do a search on 350sdl and you will learn many unpleasant things about this motor.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

you can install the more reliable 603 that came in the 86, 87 SDL and the 87 300D.

you could also install with a bit more effort the 5cyl that came in the 81-85 300SD

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1984 Euro 300SDC, (4spd standard)
1986 Toyota Landcruiser Diesel HJ60 5spd X2

Gone but not forgotten (some sold, some stripped)
1983 300 SD, 1985 300 SD, 1983 240D, 1986 300 SDL, 1985 300 SDL, 1983 300 D, 1984 300 D, 1985 300SD, 1987 300 SDL, 1983 300 SD, 1985 300 TD Euro, 1983 380SEC, 1990 300 D, 1987 300D, 1982 300D, 1982 300D, 1994 E420, 1987 300 TD, 1987 300 D, 1984 300 D

i know i am writing from a position of ignorance. that said. these buggers have sleeves. can a sleeved engine type experience a craked water jacket? and all, be gentle with the replies!

The typical issue is a cracked head allowing coolant into the cylinder = bent rods on the next compression stroke..


This is why they are known as the head buster/rod bender.

3.5 Diesel..Updated Rods and Pistons
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1457978

A factory new head is expensive.
MB# 603 010 96 20
$ 2020.00

If you like the vehicle and the body/interior are worth keeping, pick up a 3.0L version of the motor found in SDLs, D, TD, etc.

Slightly less power on the bottom end.

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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]