Converting an 86 420SEL to diesel

[82LANDYACHT]

Well, I certainly have done it now. I originally bought an 82 300SD to rehab into a WVO daily driver. The tranny wouldn't shift out of 2nd and the interior was rancid but the price was right and I was bored. Well, as luck would have it, I discovered an 86 420SEL in fabulous shape save a no start problem and a probable bad cam bearing but it came with a spare turbo diesel w/100,000 miles and questionable tranny. So, I plan on using this thread to share my conversion experience and hopefully help someone else in their endeavor by either expanding their technical knowledge with mine or staving off a fool hardy attempt. I would love to hear from anyone out there who has had a similar experience and could give some words of wisdom or convince me I am out of my mind. Step one will be next weekend when I will examine the spare tranny and engine. I am told by the previous owner that the tranny was shot but that news hasn't stopped me from diving in head first before so I plan to tear it down and rebuild it. I will be sure to take pics. As for the engine, I would love to check the compression before I install it in the 420 but I need advice on reviving and engine that has been stored for over a year. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me with any advice you may have.

[Whiskeydan]

Someone else sharing my vision. Unfortunately, I sold the 420 a couple of weeks ago. You can carry on...

Plan on swapping out the ignition switch ass'y, adding a glow plug momentary switch. You will also find that the motor mounts line up but the engine shock on one side will need the bracket moved. Then there's the driveshaft...

Also, you will have a much taller rear axle ratio. Making it a bit of a slug in town, nice hwy cruiser.

Keep us posted.