So, with help from people on this and other forums, I've determined that my engine is an OM636.

It came from a ThermoKing Reefer unit, not sure of the year or anything. There is an ID plate on the starter motor, but I'd have to look at it again to get any numbers off it.

There are cast stamps on the head and block area, and I've yet to see anything on the pump side.

My questions are:

How do I get more information on this motor, including service procedures, etc.?

Does anyone have a contact number or address at ThermoKing that I could get ahold of them and get some information on the motor?

How do I identify the injection pump on this engine, to make sure that I've got a pump that can handle vehicle duty and what power level it's capable of? (They came in 25-42HP versions, apparently.)

Is there a serial number on the pump that I can identify it by? Who do I call to confirm?

I have Bosch type injectors, with steel return lines, not the braided rubber things. Does that make a difference in determining HP rating?

And lastly:

HOW TO SAFELY MAKE MORE POWER!? I have a couple turbos laying around, how do I determine if a turbo is the right size for this engine, and how well will the 636 hold up to a turbo anyway?

Thermo King is not forthcoming with info on these engines, I have learned that the hard way after trying for three years.ost of the local dealers have no knowledge either, because they quit using them several years ago.

I don't know if you can turbo that engine, OM 636 is an all gear-driven arrangement with push rods for the valve train and was developed in 1949 as a reliable pumper.

In cars it never went faster than 56 mph before it destroyed itself, was used in MB 170 and 180 diesels, last year was 1958.

I think I have a spare paper manual around for this engine somewheres, in asmuch as I am finishing one for my 170DS

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Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6

Hate to disagree with you but in about 1981 I drove a 180D from Maryland to Key West Florida. On I95 we ran the car "flat-out" and IIRC it would do about 64-66 MPH on flat ground without a headwind. We drove it at 100% power nonstop all the way there - the OM636 is a pretty tough engine.

There are not many hills on that trip but I do remember a few uphill/headwind situations that slowed forward progress to about 50-55mph.

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98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (137K)
13 GLK250 (157k)
06 E320CDI (341K)
16 C300 (89K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)

I had originally planned on using it in my Caravan, mated to a 5 speed from a PT cruiser. I'm not so sure about it now, though, unless I can turbo it, or if I decide to go with a diesel electric hybrid arrangement... I might just use it on a tractor or something.

One more question - how do I determine if the governor will be OK for automotive use?

Oh, and how do I make sure that it's the 40-42 HP model without a dyno?

Engine Manuals show up about 2-3 times a year on Ebay.

What type of vehicle did yoy plan to use it on?

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel