If there's a thread for this, just point my way, I couldn't find it.

Just wondering what issues each of the different diesel engines tend to have (ie. ones to avoid) over the years.

Looking from about 1981 forward.
ie. 617.951 - xxxx

I'm aware of head gasket issues with engines with the #14 head, but what other issues are out there that are major enough to watch for?

Here's some info I've found:
Engine information: (Very cool page!)
http://www.mbwholesaleparts.com/wholesaleparts/ModelChart/usmodels.htm
(has gas engines too, but is very specific on which engines were in which cars during which years)

More Mercedes Engine information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mercedes-Benz_engines

OM617 - 5 cylinder 3.0 liter
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OM617_engine

OM602 - 5 cylinder 2.5 liter
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OM602_engine

OM603 - "Rod Benders"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OM603
- Issues: Weak piston rods

Thanks,
Graydon

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1980 240D (Mileage Unknown, broken odo say's 160K)
1985 300SD (213K) SOLD