You regularly see them with replaced engines. Here's another one: "Engine was replaced with factory long block at 158,000 miles" http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230246767219&ih=013&category=6330

Wonder if having a replacement engine represents an iron clad "stay free of future rod issues" guarantee. If yes, then a purchase of one of those would be a best buy - the biggest most luxurious last generation 126 with the smoothest gas like diesel and the potential of 500,000+ miles as a select few on this board enjoy.

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'83 SD, 2x '85 SD
You are entitled to your own opinions, you are not entitled to your own facts.

I am proud to be one of the few. The 350 can always be rebuilt with updated rods. The engine is sleeved. New sleeves, rods, bearings, rings, and pistons will be required if the rods were bent. Otherwise you can do rods, rings, and bearings. Not cheap, but if you want the good stuff, you have to pay.

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1991 350SD (updated rods)
Biodiesel B100 when I can find it.
Dino when really cold outside

Yes, that would be excellent..........but, we've concluded beyond any doubt that it does not have any sleeves. There is no room in the block.

You sure? This doc from the FSM indicates that non-sleeved engines (from the factory) can have the block bored out to accept sleeves, no?

We went through this awhile back with the 603.970. The cylinders are about 4mm from each other. There is no sleeve in the factory engines and nobody has found any sleeve available for these engines.

I don't see how you could possibly get a sleeve in this very small space. The sleeve is difficult on the 603.960 engine due to limited cylinder spacing.

Well, the EPC shows part number 601-011-03-10 as a cylinder liner / sleeve for the 603.970, .971, and .972 engines. That sleeve is not used on any of the 602.96x or 603.96x variants. But yes, the sleeve was omitted from the factory... however the FSM does indicate that is normal.

Now, how practical it is to sleeve the .97x is a different question. But with siamesed cylinders, would it really be a problem with only 4mm separation? After boring & sleeving, it would still be 4mm, right?

When we took a look at the engine without the head, there was clearly no liner present. There does not seem to be any room for such a liner. Nobody has been able to procure such a liner to my knowledge.

So, if it exists, and someone has actually made use of it, I'd sure like to hear about it.

EPC footnote 2 looks like it's saying a liner can be installed "for repair" on a sleeveless motor?

Larger image
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w237/rkohut/603.jpg

Attached Thumbnails

 

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83 300D 328k mi (623) Light Ivory - daily driver
82 300D 166k mi (881) Thisle Green - fixer upper
82 300D 282k mi (473) Champagne - parts

You did ask, it does exist.

FastLane = Buy Parts tab

Special Order Parts
and Tools
6010110310

Main Category: Mercedes Benz
Sub Category: Engine Mechanical
Description: Cylinder Sleeve...(six per Car)

That makes sense, Brian. The older FSM says, on Group 01-110:

Beginning in 1987 the cylinder sleeves were eliminated partially on engines 602/603. The following tables show exactly when and on which model or engine the new version was introduced. Engine 603.970 was introduced into production without cylinder sleeves. Installation of cylinder sleeves is not permissible.

The tables indicate only the 602.911 (non-turbo) switched to un-sleeved min-production. Later FSM (and EPC data) indicate the sleeves *are* permissible for the 3.5L, but they were not initially allowed.


The sleeve definitely exists... but given the rarity of the 3.5L in the USA, it may be hard to find evidence of installation. Maybe someone who had their 3.5L repaired at the dealer can show a receipt for the work indicating the sleeve part number...? BTW, the sleeves are $52/ea list price.

I don't think that the cylinders are actually siamesed.

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.

I am the original owner of a 1991 350SDL that currently has 197K miles on it. My engine was built 12/91. I have no indications of a rod problem, the car continues to amaze me and still looks beautiful, it's teal and palomino. Best car I have ever owned, by far.

you are indeed a fortunate man.

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.

My blue/blue 1991 350SD is very nice too. The best car I have owned.

__________________
1991 350SD (updated rods)
Biodiesel B100 when I can find it.
Dino when really cold outside

Hi Brian/Dave
I actually had my engine resleeved, new pistons and piston rods installed in 2003 by an independant shop. Engine has 50k after the rebuilt, performing well.
Henk Willems
1991 350 SDL, 196k