I have had five or six benz motors rebuilt and only one had pistons worn too much to reuse. The machinist can measure the ring lands for wear and make a determination if they are within spec or not.

Also probably good idea to check cam chain . Guides for same also are probably due.

The bottom end may well be good to go, but if the head is off I would have the valves ground and checked for wear and replace any springs, valves and guides that are out of service specs.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

hmm, i've heard that the pistons on this engine are pretty bullet proof. that was why i was thinking that i might get away with this.
re: the head, nope, that's called mission creep man. of course if something was hugely obvious, i'd take care of it, but i have no indications so far to think to expect that.
the timing chain and guide though is another matter. i can always pull the head easy enough in the future if needed. i just want to do what NEEDS to be done while i have the block out.
I.E i need to keep this job to under 1000 bucks. What do you think my odds are?Is the chain something that should/or usually is replaced about now?
thanks for the feedback gentlemen.

Dale

You can buy a good used 240D engine for well less than $1000.

In fact you can probably buy a whole rustbucket car for well less than $1000.

I'm speaking from personal experience. Just watch EBay and search on poor looking 240Ds from your area.



Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

The chain, again may or may not be worn. The chain guides most likely need changing though.

Tom W

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

hmmm, ok, so chain guide, rings and sleeves is what i'm "planning for".
Again, guys, i don't want to just plunk in a used engine. If it costs me 500 bucks for one and then i have the same problem...
I just don't like the uncertainty that comes with someone elses used engine. My thought was, spend a little more, like 1000 bucks, and KNOW what i have. Sure, 2 years down the road i might need a head job, but I'll know my rings and cylinder walls are good, and then maybe 3 years down the road i need new bearings and crank work.
The body of this car is in beautiful shape and I'd like to preserve her, but 5 grand for a new engine from metrics is out of the querstion now, and i think a used engine isn't really getting me anywhere, just sort of treading water.
Anyone have any ideas about what i might pay to have new sleeves put in and the honing and planing required?

thanks,

dale

I agree that you are better off fixing a known engine than installing a junk engine if you are planning on keeping the car. Don't know about the cost.