Rebuild costs OM617 vs OM603 vs OM606 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Stretch · #1 10-10-2011, 02:37 PM

G'day Folks,

I've been sitting here dreaming and dreaming about a 1950's US pick up truck with a MB diesel conversion for about two years now...

I was thinking as I have this disease that means I have to take everything to bits - that before I start on a new project it would be prudent to check out some costings first!

I quite like the idea of an OM617 and I know from experience that it costs the best part of 2000 euros to rebuild one with machining + new pistons + rings + cam shaft + rocker arms + new valves + + etc etc etc

But listening to people like babymog once you've tried a straight six you ain't ever going back.

So I'm asking how much do you think it would cost to re-do an OM603?

How much more to re-do an OM606?

{PS I've had a look at buy parts for the 606 and most of the big bits aren't listed - has whunter done a good thread for this? If so I can't find it)

panZZer · #2 10-10-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

G'day Folks,

I've been sitting here dreaming and dreaming about a 1950's US pick up truck with a MB diesel conversion for about two years now...

I was thinking as I have this disease that means I have to take everything to bits - that before I start on a new project it would be prudent to check out some costings first!

I quite like the idea of an OM617 and I know from experience that it costs the best part of 2000 euros to rebuild one with machining + new pistons + rings + cam shaft + rocker arms + new valves + + etc etc etc

But listening to people like babymog once you've tried a straight six you ain't ever going back.

So I'm asking how much do you think it would cost to re-do an OM603?

How much more to re-do an OM606?

{PS I've had a look at buy parts for the 606 and most of the big bits aren't listed - has whunter done a good thread for this? If so I can't find it)

find out what a container costs -from Houston Tx, i have a 38 chevy, a 617A , and a 5speed/ flywheel. PACKAGE deal for
U!

whunter · #3 10-10-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

G'day Folks,

I've been sitting here dreaming and dreaming about a 1950's US pick up truck with a MB diesel conversion for about two years now...

I was thinking as I have this disease that means I have to take everything to bits - that before I start on a new project it would be prudent to check out some costings first!

I quite like the idea of an OM617 and I know from experience that it costs the best part of 2000 euros to rebuild one with machining + new pistons + rings + cam shaft + rocker arms + new valves + + etc etc etc

But listening to people like babymog once you've tried a straight six you ain't ever going back.

So I'm asking how much do you think it would cost to re-do an OM603?

How much more to re-do an OM606?

{PS I've had a look at buy parts for the 606 and most of the big bits aren't listed - has whunter done a good thread for this? If so I can't find it)

OM602.911 1986-1988 EXTREME Rebuild Parts List

EXTREME OM602.962 Rebuild Parts List

OM603.970 ENGINE REBUILD KIT, Standard size

.

dieseldiehard · #4 10-10-2011, 07:13 PM

The hidden factor inherent with the 606 is the possibility that you will have a frozen GP, either at the time of rebuilding the engine or later on, that can set you back as it has been known to require an experienced machinist to remove the remnants if (or when) one gets stuck. If you attempt removing such a stuck plug you risk damaging the threads on the head

Another thing you need to account for is possible electronic module stuff with the 606 which the other engines do not have, I haven't any experience with this but believe I heard it has to be accounted for to get a well running setup.
The 603 is a real kick to drive and if you have an urge for performance that would be the best engine (got two of them and can vouch for the performance as well as #14 head issues (in case you aren't aware of that problem I suggest you do a search). A 617 turbo is not a slouch by any means and so much more reliable as well as being commonly available at low cost in the US (and Europe too, I am sure) so that might be the final factor that determines what you finally choose.

Of curse ultimate success is based on successfully fitting engine of choice into the engine bay on the truck. I've seen a 617 turbo in a small International Scout, shoe horned very professionally and it ran like a scalded cat.

Let us all know how the project turns out.
DDH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

G'day Folks,

I've been sitting here dreaming and dreaming about a 1950's US pick up truck with a MB diesel conversion for about two years now...

I was thinking as I have this disease that means I have to take everything to bits - that before I start on a new project it would be prudent to check out some costings first!

I quite like the idea of an OM617 and I know from experience that it costs the best part of 2000 euros to rebuild one with machining + new pistons + rings + cam shaft + rocker arms + new valves + + etc etc etc

But listening to people like babymog once you've tried a straight six you ain't ever going back.

So I'm asking how much do you think it would cost to re-do an OM603?

How much more to re-do an OM606?

{PS I've had a look at buy parts for the 606 and most of the big bits aren't listed - has whunter done a good thread for this? If so I can't find it)

layback40 · #5 10-10-2011, 09:40 PM

Army,
Best you get your car done first !!!

After having a 602 I would not consider doing a build up with a 617. way too old !!

Zacharias · #6 10-11-2011, 12:22 AM

I think you are asking for a lot, for unbiased opinions when it comes to OM617 vs. OM603/606 comparisons.

You may as well post "Hey, so I hear some good reports about this synthetic oil stuff."

However, I do agree on the part about getting your w123 finished. Don't fall into the trap of starting a second project before the first is done (BTDT). In my case, I piled a Rover P6 3500 onto a Volvo 142 onto a Fiat 124 Coupe onto a Volvo wagon with a Mustang 5.0 V8 conversion installed.... I got in over my head and ended up selling all of them, to my eternal regret. If I could go back, I would probably have kept the Fiat and the Rover.... Or perhaps the Volvo with the 'Stang engine and Getrag. Hmmmmm......

Stretch · #7 10-11-2011, 03:22 AM

OK thanks for the concerned advice I'll reign in my horses folks and concentrate on the current project.

I've just reached that boring part where there isn't much left to take to bits... nothing much new to learn... so I'm off day dreaming.

PanZZer we'll have to talk some other time!

Whunter - thanks for the price indications.

whunter · #8 10-11-2011, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

OK thanks for the concerned advice I'll reign in my horses folks and concentrate on the current project.

I've just reached that boring part where there isn't much left to take to bits... nothing much new to learn... so I'm off day dreaming.

PanZZer we'll have to talk some other time!

Whunter - thanks for the price indications.

You need another vehicle to distract you.

MERCEDES BENZ LP 1013 military truck, sale, buy, The Netherlands, price, LA1087

TATRA 813 military truck, sale, buy, The Netherlands, price, FE1754

IVECO 40.10 WM/1 4x4 military truck, sale, buy, The Netherlands, price, DQ780

GAZ BRDM-2 military truck, sale, buy, Czechia, price, BV1732

URAL 4320 military truck, sale, buy, The Netherlands, price, YD1690

Stretch · #9 10-11-2011, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

You need another vehicle to distract you.

MERCEDES BENZ LP 1013 military truck, sale, buy, The Netherlands, price, LA1087

TATRA 813 military truck, sale, buy, The Netherlands, price, FE1754

IVECO 40.10 WM/1 4x4 military truck, sale, buy, The Netherlands, price, DQ780

GAZ BRDM-2 military truck, sale, buy, Czechia, price, BV1732

URAL 4320 military truck, sale, buy, The Netherlands, price, YD1690

Oh don't start!

I saw a nice petrol engined Unimog just screaming for a diesel the other day too - and a series II Land Rover with a decent looking safari body begging for an OM617...

...and a 1950s Buick station wagon with no engine but all the body work done...

I've got the itch.

sixto · #10 10-11-2011, 03:44 AM

Or something that'll take a couple of 617s and a couple of 603s -

Sixto
87 300D

Stretch · #11 10-11-2011, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Or something that'll take a couple of 617s and a couple of 603s -

Sixto
87 300D

Now that would be good for the Christmas shopping rush.

Codifex Maximus · #12 10-12-2011, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Oh don't start!

I saw a nice petrol engined Unimog just screaming for a diesel the other day too - and a series II Land Rover with a decent looking safari body begging for an OM617...

A gas UNIMOG with a diesel replacement engine sounds like a worthy project.

Stretch · #13 10-12-2011, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Codifex Maximus

A gas UNIMOG with a diesel replacement engine sounds like a worthy project.

I know I know I know...

Stop it!

The body work was perfect (for a unimog) and it was the convertible type...

...perfect for the summer...

TMog · #14 07-28-2015, 08:24 PM

I know its an old thread but does anyone perhaps have a similar rebuild part list for a OM606(.962)?

I can't seem to find a good supply of OM606 parts either. My experience is more with OM617As and part for those are plentiful. Strange..

Thanks.

whunter · #15 07-29-2015, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMog

I know its an old thread but does anyone perhaps have a similar rebuild part list for a OM606(.962)?

I can't seem to find a good supply of OM606 parts either. My experience is more with OM617As and part for those are plentiful. Strange..

Thanks.

The last OM606 I rebuilt, the parts total was $5,000 USD.

I will try to build the OM606 list in my spare time.

.