Hello All,

Was driving home from work and all was running normal. Turned a corner and there was a loud pop lie a backfire, the car stalled and smoked out the exhaust. Does not turn over. Just loud click when I turn the key and no engine movement.

Engine seized? Just changed oil about 1500 miles ago. Valves adjusted about 400 miles ago.

1977 240D 255,000 miles

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Timing chain parted company? Ever check it and the guides? Number one rod issues as it is a 616? Hopefully it is something far simpler.

That was the first thing that came to mind.

__________________
Jim

Not very closely. When I did the valves I looked at it briefly.

I had a timing belt break on a 82 toyota cressida once. The engine would turn still though.

I think that was a non-interference engine.

Car is still down the street about 2 miles away. Prob won't get it towed here until tomorrow and take valve cover off.

So if timing chain broke I most likely bent the valves?

yes

__________________
Jim

Great! Sucks. Car is in nice shape, no rust. My first diesel mercedes. Had it about 2 months. I guess finding a used motor is next if I see a broken chain tomorrow...

My fault for liking to drive unique old cars and learning to maintain them.

It may have been badly in need of a timing chain for a long time. I replaced mine at 212k and it was long overdue even at that point. Finding a 616 engine if needed should not be hard, could always put a 617 in there too, more power!

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

First things first pop the valve cover off and take a look. If your clutch grenaded it could also lock your motor. Unlikely, but an option.

Assuming the motor is toast, this is the perfect time to put a turbo 617 in there. Imagine you car, but with twice the horsepower!

__________________
$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

Everything I own is old and unique, guess Iam old and unique too.
This forum is about old and unique, so you are in the right place.

I agree if it is the timing chain, you will have a bent valve or two, and depending on how fast you were going, what ever other damage was done. could just be the chain and a couple valve, broken cam shaft. or cracked head, VC, and broken off cam shaft towers/bearings, and......

You won`t know for sure until you start digging into it. hope it is just a clutch problem, easier fix and less costly.
at least you are close to home. when my 85 broke it`s chain, I was 500 miles from home.

Keep us up to date.

What is your location?


Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Thanks for that. I am in San Mateo CA. I was making a left turn so probably under 10 miles per hour when it happened.

Not sure what I will do. I have done many vw bus/ bug transplants but don't have a cherry picker or maybe even the stomach to swap the 240D motor.

Funny, I drove around 150 mile trip on Monday and was thinking how sweet a 35 year old car can run.

Feel free to call and discuss the car in depth.


.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Thanks! Getting towed home this afternoon. Will take valve cover off (there goes the new gasket I just put on! ) and will take pics of the hopefully not too gory scene.

Attached Thumbnails

 

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. That is a nice looking 123. Well worth fixing whatever it is.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

The about $5.55 Valve Cover Gasket can be reused several times; on to bigger worries.

It is entirely possible you will only have to fix some stuff on the Head and the T Chain related parts.

Yank off the Vacuum Pump and see if there is anything left of that.

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Well here is the bad news.

Could I have done this from adjusting valves incorrectly? Seemed pretty straight forward and done it a thousand times on my vw bus/bug motors.
Appreciate all the input here!

Attached Thumbnails