617 engine question
 

Bear with me folks, I am fairly new to the world of MB diesels, have experience with diesel trucks, tractors, etc. The information I have on my 617 is that it is a sleeve type engine (T/F?), but in some of the posts, reference is made to boring out the block for a rebuild and using OS pistons, which are available from the suppliers I have checked. But, sleeves are available as well. Are they like tractors where you pull 'em and replace 'em, or do they have to be pressed in on the MB with special tools/equipment?
Thanx.

the sleeves are pressed in nad can be bored to OS

They are thin, dry liners. They have to be pressed in by a machine so its not possible to do an in-frame rebuild like a tractor.

boring out and using os pistons is a quick and dirty way to do it., imho. The cost of new pistons is great too so often you can reuse them and resleeve to stock. resleeving allows you to deck the block and true it up when you bore the sleeves to size, to compensate for the natural twisting you will get in a block from the torque of the engine, too.

That was my thought, if the pistons are within tolerance, then sleeves and rings make for a freshened motor, and plastigage will determine if new bearings need to be rolled in, however, if the engine has to come out to press in new sleeves, so much for less labour. Related question, why are MB pistons so pricey (as compared to other diesel parts I have bought over the years)?
Most recent example, old Ferguson tractor, 4 sleeves, pistons, rings, wrist pins and a gasket set set me back $1200, which would not buy the MB pistons.
To head off several comments, I expected the MB parts to be somewhat higher, any vehicle that lasts as long as these seem to, must be made out of top quality parts.