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.

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

Most mechanics can do the engine swap.

.

__________________
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/

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

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....

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?

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?

__________________
You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime you just might find you get what you need.

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.

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

__________________
2004 F150 4.6L -My Daily
2007 Volvo XC70 -Wife's Daily
1998 Ford F150 -Rear ended
1989 J-spec 420SEL -passed onto its new keeper
1982 BMW 733i -fixed and traded for the 420SEL
2003 Volvo V70 5 Speed -scrapped
1997 E290 Turbo Diesel Wagon -traded for above
1992 BMW 525i -traded in
1990 Silver 300TE -hated the M103
1985 Grey 380SE Diesel Conversion, 2.47 rear end, ABS -Sold, really should have kept this one
1979 Silver 300D "The Silver Slug" -Sold

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! Volker, i need a neighbor like you.

__________________
What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius