What is involved in switching from #14 head to a #22 on an OM603?

[Jeff Petty]

Can anyone out there give me an overview of what is involved in changing to a #22 cylinder head from a #14 on an OM603 engine? Mine is an 86 300sdl with original 14 head, which has been reworked and alas still I have exhaust in the cooling system... the head I am considering is off an 87 300sdl. Guy selling is a mechanic, who said rather than fix it he just replaced the engine with a 300D. Said there was a miss in the engine and he pinpointed the problem to be the 6th cylinder exhaust valve in the head. How big a deal is that time and money wise...I just assume it is a big deal if he chose not to fix it, but I need my car running and don't have a lot of time and money to keep chasing rabbits with it. Can get the head as is for $75.00 and drive 200 miles to pick it up. Feedback? Thank you.

[NJ300sdl]

Use the #22 head complete with injectors and lines. Allen head bolts from head to timing cover may be a different size.

[sixto]

$75 for a useable #22 head is a steal! $750 with cam and injectors is about what they go for.

Sixto
87 300D

[s.toldi]

SIXTO.
Just read you comment a used 1987 D cylinder head is worth $750???
Where can I get one?? I've got a 1987 DT with a crack Cy head.
Looking everywhere .Only available new $2,200 + valve.
I've got 231.000 mls on mine.

Thanks

[jbrianfoto]

Originally Posted by s.toldi

SIXTO.
Just read you comment a used 1987 D cylinder head is worth $750???
Where can I get one?? I've got a 1987 DT with a crack Cy head.
Looking everywhere .Only available new $2,200 + valve.
I've got 231.000 mls on mine.

Thanks

They're out there, you have to eep looking. If you fiind one, insist that it be tested and that tr seller provide the paperwork. I went thru two heads before I found one that was crack free, it cost me $900 and I had to drive to Columbus, OH to get it (450 mies one way).

As for the work involved, count on 30 hours of your time, and you'll need some special tools (some you have to buy, others you can fabricate). I've been going thru replacing a 14 head with a 22 for the past 8 weeks. It is a big job. I am an IT engineer and am an avid mechanic who loves my old cars (but am not too high in te skills department, I do have tools, time and work space). If you search this forum fr my name, you'll see plenty of my postings plus there are loads of articles from others.

Hope this hels.

[sixto]

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market shows Ollie's / I-190 Auto Parts has the cylinder head off a '90 350SDL for $1000. It should have a casting number of at least #17.

Sixto
87 300D

[DieselPaul]

Originally Posted by s.toldi

SIXTO.
Just read you comment a used 1987 D cylinder head is worth $750???
Where can I get one?? I've got a 1987 DT with a crack Cy head.
Looking everywhere .Only available new $2,200 + valve.
I've got 231.000 mls on mine.

Thanks

Sent you an email through the forum. I have a #14 that tested good at a machine shop. Happy to ship worldwide, if you don't get my email, send me a PM.

[daw_two]

I have a #17 head, injectors, cam, and hard fuel lines.