1987 300D, 603 6cyl., W124 Buying Advice? Will these cylinder heads ALWAYS crack??? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hatterasguy · #16 11-27-2007, 10:30 PM

I wouldn't worry about the head. As long as its not cracked when you buy it, don't overheat it and don't worry about it.

I don't make a habit out of overheating and neglecting my cars, regardless of the model.

Any old car can blow a head gasket or crack the head, Brian's 617 had a cracked head.

sixto · #17 11-27-2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

I wouldn't worry about the head. As long as its not cracked when you buy it, don't overheat it and don't worry about it.

That's the magic question when buying a 603. Not even a PPI can reveal head cracks already forming. Fortunately the numbers are in your favor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Brian's 617 had a cracked head.

Yeah, I wonder about that guy

Sixto
87 300D

Hatterasguy · #18 11-27-2007, 10:44 PM

Well its a 20 year old car, if you have to do the head you have to do the head. If you don't want to worry about major repairs buy a new CDI.

Anything can break on an old car, regardless of the model or who made it. You can buy the most mint 300D, old lady driven, 50k miles, and have the trans blow a week after you buy it.

85MB300D · #19 11-28-2007, 12:05 AM

What trans does the '87 300D have?

Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

The 722.6 transmissions require specially formulated ATF. I don't know if it's available in the aftermarket.

The 722.3 and .4 transmission use plain old Dexron III. For kicks, read -

Mobil-1 changed their ATF formula...

W124 300D radiators are a maintenance item. Replace it every 5 years before the plastic gets brittle and fails.

Someone asked about the vacuum pump -

"New style" OM603 vacuum pumps may not be "safe"

Sixto
87 300D - 210K miles on #14 head

85MB300D · #20 11-28-2007, 12:07 AM

You guys are awesome

Hit Man X · #21 11-28-2007, 12:09 AM

They rarely crack, it's usually due to owner neglect.