Next course of action.....
 

Would it be worthwhile to tow it in and see if the block is cracked and go from there? I suppose worst case scenario is that the block is cracked and the mechanic might want to buy the car for body parts.

I have a 1985 300D with a good engine. If I were to entertain the idea of an engine swap, is that something most mechanics could do or only a good Merc mechanic?

I don't think the Mercedes mechanic I like is interested in dropping an engine in the car; he quoted me a ridiculously high price.

Yes
 

IMO it is worth a diagnosis of the engine block. Really hope it is not cracked.

Most mechanics can do the engine swap.

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Engine swap if the engines are the same type, is pretty brainless, you can do yourself in your driveway, it is like changing the wheel... remove bolts and connections, remove, put back, put back bolts and connections... only gets complicated if you want to do other things, like install 90's SL 500 V8 into 240 D of 70's :)

Thanks.
 

This is very helpful. Thank you. I really hope it isn't the block, either. This engine had a whole lot of get up and go before all this happened and it was such a pleasure to drive. I'm having a hard time letting go of the car. Someone expressed interest in buying it as a parts car for $500, but I just could not bring myself to do it.

The '85 does not have nearly same pep and the body is quite a bit bigger, so I'm not as fond of it. We'll have to see what unfolds, I suppose....

Engine swaps.
 

I truly admire people who can do this. I can't. I don't have that kind of mechanical know how.

I read in another thread that I'd need to be careful to keep the turbo and the injection pump from my '83 since the '85 is different. Does that sound right?

Diagnosis pending.
 

The car has been towed to the shop. I'll let you all know what happens. Thanks, everyone, for your comments.

Typically, the '83 and '85 300D's have a different rear differential with the '85's being taller. This results in a quicker lower speeds on the '83 and a lower revving higher sppeds on the '85. The '85 probably gets better fuel mileage if everything else is equal.

If the '85 is bigger, then its probably a 300SD?

It might be different but if it works fine on the 85, I would just use it all, since you take the engine out and put it in without having to take off the turbo and IP... so why work harder for nothing? Definitely keep the old ones in case you need to replace them later

But I'd pay attention to the '85, if it is junk, then fine, but if it is a nice car... it might be better to find a good engine in a wreck or junk to take engine from.

Well, after all of that......
 

The verdict is that the hose that meets the cylinder head gasket needed replacing!!! He said the engine is in good shape.

well that makes for a happy (and cheap) ending

Yes! I'm happy for the OP. I'm also really happy to know that changing an engine out is as easy as changing a wheel! :bounce: Volker, i need a neighbor like you.