Having no luck finding a running 617.95* engine in NW
 

I'm having no luck finding a good running turbo diesel engine for my 300D here in the NW. My deal with getting an engine from a fellow member fell through. Looking to get one shipped from elsewhere is too expensive. It's too expensive to bother with rebuilding any of the engines I've got so I thought of looking for one locally. My search expanded to Seattle and no luck. What's with the NW and turbo diesels here? Only cars for sale and they want top $$$ for them.
I almost just want to get rid of the 300D...:(

I stopped at Silver Star Recycling in the Sacramento area on July 5.
they had a 617 out of an 84 with 189000 miles for $800.00. I was
looking for one for the 85.

funny how the ones in the junk yards are high milage, and the 123`s
being sold on E-Bay are mostly low milage:confused:.

Iam thinking I might go with metric motors for one, pricy, but 4 years
and a 50000 mile waranty. built to factory spects, glow plugs, new
injectors, and inject pump. probably pull the engine next week, and
drive down to the L.A. area and exchange it.

hope you find one.
Charlie

You can get a remanned long block w/IP at Auto Zoo for $3600. I do not know who the rebuilder is, so I can't say what kind of quality to expect. It has the standars 12 month 12,000 mile warranty. BAsed on Metric Motors reputaion and warranty, I would pony up the extra bucks and go that route if you can't find a good used engine.

You can't find a machine shop to help you out with this? I've done some digging here in Phoenix when I first moved here and didn't know anyone and found a good machine shop that does good work for a reasonable price. Of course I had to do a lot of asembly, but if you are willing you can save a lot of money! Just get your self a really good technical manual and go from there. I've found even the ones that are on CD are reprints of the originals and will do quite well supplying you with information! You don't even have to worry about getting your gages dirty, just print out more on you home computer printer! Don't give up yet! P.S. I did some research on your cell phone problem and have a solution for you. Look for an email from me! On the motor, These are not as hard as you would think to rebuild and I'm willing to bet you can do a lot your self!:D

It can be a problem to find a used engine if you are in a hurry. Seems like most of the time they just all of a sudden "appear", usually in the form of a cheap car with other issues.
I had an extra 240 engine, and somebody was going to buy it. They decided to rebuild their own engine, and a week or so later here is a cheap little 240 on Craig's List with a seized engine. :D
So, what I'm trying to say is that usually "all of a sudden" they just "show up". It is a marvel of nature.........;)
Happy hunting!

The OM617 turbo engine is not a cheap one to rebuild, with the special pistons etc. Parts alone are probably in the $2500+ range by now with the euro getting $1.37. I would keep looking for a good used one. I laid in a spare that I think is good to spare my two turbos.

Rick

Did you try Benz friendz in Seattle? http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/371481874.html

Chris

I've called Benz friends and all they have are engines that are good for cores.
I can't justify paying for a reman'd engine for a car that isn't worth that much. If it were a car with sentimental value or it was still worth a 1/3 what it originally sold for that sure I'd buy a motor from MM.
I've called around machine shops. One place quoted the head could be done for around $125 but I'm a bit dubious about their quality. Others averaged around $400. The block is another story. Few wanted to even mess with it. The few that would try, (the word "try" bothers me), quoted around $500 to do it and I would have to supply the sleeves. Chances are I would need new pistons in the process and we know how much they run.:eek:
I talked to the shop that is famous for working on Mercedes in Portland and they said they don't rebuild many 617's any more due to the high costs involved.

hey, gentlemen, why would you ever rebuilt that engine, or worse: buy a remanufactured diesel guzzler??????
why o why??? I mean, progress has been made since then! you can't pay $5k or more for an engine to put in a car that's not collectible! and then the crap mileage and serious blowby at 238k, it's really not worth it dudes. move on.
the 603, even with the cooling (not so much engine) issues is sooooo much better! a rebuilt 617 at metric motors will not last as "long" as the factory one, I assure you. no way. and what car is worth that anyway?? maybe sentimental value?

If it were only possible to transplant a 603 as easily as the original 617 into a 123.

Yuck, if you want a 603 for some reason just buy a W124.

If you want a used 617, just keep looking one will turn up.

I've had a 603 before but I didn't like the 124 thing it was wrapped in.:P

I understand, I'm not a big fan of either the W124's looks or the 603 engine. Good luck with your search.

Since there isn't that much value, sentimental or otherwise, just bide your time until an engine lands in your lap. It will happen.
Posting every day about it only keeps it more top on mind. Kind of like the kids "are we almost there?" routine.
Hang in there! :)

I've got a few posts in my local CL for one. I got some crazy reply referring me to their 87 Wagon for sale for 6250. Only has 167K on it. I wouldn't want one anyway unless it was really cheap and I could get the engine from it.
Nah, I can't get into a big hurry about finding an engine. Maybe I'll have to look for one the same way I found my car. By not looking for it.