380SL Diesel Conversion Project - Page 18 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #**256** 03-30-2012, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

I'll definitely need to give the engine a going over; standard stuff like valve adjustment, check timing chain stretch, check injectors and so on, that haven't been done yet.

If you need to borrow my chain press (if you decide the chain needs replacing), you are welcome to do so. A new chain is only $120.00, and it will take about an hour to replace.....Rich

mach4 · #**257** 03-31-2012, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomCadillac

How much cost do you think you have in the project?

Good question, I'm almost afraid to tally it up

380SL $1200
300D donor $700
Lines and fittings $130
Junk yard stuff (oil pan, engine arms, oil filter housing, exhaust, NSS, tie rod, solenoid etc) $160
Metal, hardware, switches, electrical, urethane, paint etc $ 150
Engine, trans mounts, subframe mounts, carrier bearing, $140
Gaskets, sealer, belts, etc $100
Misc $100

In addition I needed to buy some tools e.g. exhaust cutter, wood for my cribs, specialty wrenches, hex wrenches, etc. and supplies like gloves, rags, chemicals, tape etc. and of course consumables like fluids, welding stuff, filters. I also spent $250 (thank you Craigs List) for a 2 ton engine hoist, 2 jack stands, transmission jack, 3 ton floor jack and creeper. Should probably include fluids and filters, but arguably anyone buying a car would do a fluid/filter change as a maintenance item.

I did have some false starts e.g. I spent $150 on hoses and fittings for my remote oil filter before I found out I didn't need to remote it. Hopefully I can recoup some of those kinds of costs.

And I've got an SL engine/transmission to sell and some good parts off the 300D that should offset some of the expenses.

All in all a pretty low budget swap.

mach4 · #**258** 03-31-2012, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomCadillac

Does it have A/C and if not would that be a problem.

No A/C at this point. I'll be pulling the engine again in the next few months to detail the engine and I plan on sourcing a Sanden compressor and fabricating a bracket (tons easier out of the car). I'll need a couple of custom lines made up to go from the Sanden fittings to the Mercedes fittings and I'll be ready to go. New dryer and expansion valve too, but everything else is intact and ready to go.

mercmad6.3 · #**259** 03-31-2012, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

And what is really interesting, in the end, I believe dn't have to notch the subframe
- didn't have to remote the oil filter
- didn't have to fabricate motor mounts
- didn't have to use a hood scoop
- didn't have to shorten/lengthen the driveshaft
- didn't have to modify the engine bay

...and literally the only thing I was unable to do by myself on this entire project, was remove and install the hood.

Thats what I thought at the beginning of this. I would have chosen a later turbo Diesel but they wont fit as easily as this does. You can get more horses too if you go for a bigger Holset Turbo as the OM 617 will handle a lot more boost. You will find it runs better if the valve lash is set properly too . The exhaust valve clearances close up on these engines ,not open up as on most engines where the tappets need to adjusted.
Great Effort!!

pwogaman · #**260** 03-31-2012, 11:39 AM

Fantastic thread. Very informative with great pictures.

unkl300d · #**261** 03-31-2012, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Good question, I'm almost afraid to tally it up

And I've got an SL engine/transmission to sell and some good parts off the 300D that should offset some of the expenses.

All in all a pretty low budget swap.

Yeah, but what a priceless and rewarding project for ya. Also an excellent comprehensive thread for the forum.
A true standard !

THX.

mercmad6.3 · #**262** 04-01-2012, 05:35 AM

Engine looks like it spent time at sea

Druk · #**263** 04-02-2012, 08:46 AM

^ Looks like the non-turbo version.

mercmad6.3 · #**264** 04-02-2012, 05:49 PM

yes, you are right. i can see that now. The car is in Hungary and there aren't too many turbo versions in Europe.

sixto · #**265** 04-26-2012, 10:26 PM

Any news on the retitling front?

Sixto
87 300D

mach4 · #**266** 04-26-2012, 11:26 PM

I've been out of town and have had some minor mechanical issues pop up that need attending to before I can make the appointment and drive over to get it inspected.

mach4 · #**267** 04-28-2012, 10:56 PM

Back on the project today after a couple weeks of travel and relaxing. Today's project was to work on the air cleaner. I've been using a K&N style gauze filter on an interim basis but decided to tackle a replaceable paper filter strategy using the pioneering work of OM 616 as a basis (link here)

I got a piece of 1/4" 6061-T6 aluminum and went down to the local EAA hangar and used the club lathe to turn a piece that will allow me to use a Ford (Escort, Ranger etc) element and a part of the housing.

On the way back, I stopped into the junk yard just to see what the current inventory looked like. I just happened to look at a car that had an air cleaner sitting on the ground and noticed a flange that looked like it would be perfect. I used an exhaust pipe to pop it loose from the assembly, and it is perfect. The exact same size as the turbo inlet housing. I can't be sure, but I think it was off a Mazda.

Here's what the final assembly will look like after I attach the flange to the plate.

I think it's going to work out just fine.

LoosBenz · #**268** 04-28-2012, 11:06 PM

Amazing! I LOVE this project!

lgriffi · #**269** 04-30-2012, 11:31 AM

A fellow in Avon , IN did this conversion back in the 80s. It was in a 1972 450 SL. It was a 4 cyl diesel with aftermarket turbo. His name is Bob Sowle, Avon, IN. He is a former Indy 500 Chief Mech. in his 90s now.
I drove the car one time.
lgriffi

mach4 · #**270** 04-30-2012, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgriffi

A fellow in Avon , IN did this conversion back in the 80s. It was in a 1972 450 SL. It was a 4 cyl diesel with aftermarket turbo. His name is Bob Sowle, Avon, IN. He is a former Indy 500 Chief Mech. in his 90s now.
I drove the car one time.

Very cool.

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