I have a 1987 300d with a #14 and am looking at replacing the head myself. I have replaced 2 Audi 1.8t heads. This doesn't seem too difficult. But I do have a few questions.

I found a #17 head bare but the guy will give me the old parts for $500. I am not going to be switching all the internals of the head myself. ANy ideas how much this costs and is this something any machine shop can do or do you need special tools? A mercedes place near me never got back to me and another shop said they could do it but I know they do not specialize in Mercedes.

The shimming of the Prechambers I see people talk about - is this only the #17 heads that need this?

Anything else I should know or be aware of? I couldn't find anything in particular about #14 to #17 heads.

Anyone have one for sale?

My crusade du jour is letting people know the possibility of a tight #14 head developing cracks as it's torqued after a head gasket change. I don't remember where I read it but it makes sense. If a later casting adds $500 to a head gasket swap, that's not too bad.

I don't know about swapping valves at home. I expect used valves should be lapped into used seats, and used stems checked against used guides. Something I was glad to pay a shop $400 to do years ago.

There are different injectors and prechambers spec'd for #14 vs #17 and later heads. Early prechambers can be trimmed to fit later heads so you can avoid the coat of later injectors. I'm not aware of shims for 60x prechambers unless the head is cut beyond limit.

There are different injector lines for #14 vs #17 and later heads. Lines can be tweaked to fit but try to get the lines you'll need for the situation out of the deal.

Any quality shop can handle the valves and prechambers. If they're familiar with 61x engines, they might expect seals between the prechamber and lockring which the 60x don't have.

Sixto
87 300D

Why are you pulling your #14 head? Has it developed a leak?
If it still works well, I would leave it alone.

My son and I have been pulling every 603 head we find at the local pick n pull. We have 3 on the shelf now. Takes us about 1.5 to 2 hrs to pull one and strip it of the injectors and glow plugs. It would be quicker in a shop.
It's not too bad of a job.

Pulled one this past weekend off of a 87 SDL. 297k and the cam looked brand new. No visible cracks or gouging.

Still hoping to find a #17 one day.

Maybe you have an excellent auto machine shop near you BUT! I would suggest that you be very careful with your choice. As far as the pre combustion chamber protrusion goes there is a spec. That you should follow especially if you have any doubts as to the history of the head. "If there is a doubt, there is no doubt". Shims/no shims, crush washers/sealant/no sealant is up to you and the information you trust.
Have fun!

Theres nothing wrong with the head as of now as far as I know!! I've had about 50 different cars (64 total) Audis, BMWs, Mercedes, Acura, VW and I still can't get over how much I love this car and its by far the oldest I ever owned. I just want to fix this possible head problem before it happens or be ready when it does and then forget about it for the next 10 years!

I can't seem to find anyone that has ever worked on one of these close to me. i'm not too familiar with diesels and it seems not to many are around here.

I was going to get new injectors for my car from pelican. There is only one option. How do I know which ones will work with what heads?

SO If I buy newer injectors for the #17 or up head and hopefully find a machine shop I should only have to worry about the fuel lines.

I have a #17 head complete with injectors cam it has been pressure tested and resurface. It is for sale pm me if you are interested

Safest to buy injectors that look like your old ones. Second bet is to match the head donor. Among US 603s, 86-87 use injectors with coarse threads closer to the hex -



90-95 use injectors with fine threads at the business end -



615/6/7s and naturally aspirated 190Ds use injectors similar to the 86-87 style but they're of different specification. 190D turbos and the 90-93 300D 2.5 use injectors similar to the 90-95 style and I think they're the same specification.

There are at least a couple of #22 heads out there running 86-87 prechambers and injectors. I believe gsxr still has his '87 300D. I sold my '87 SDL to a forum member who's been quiet for a few years and I can't account for its whereabouts.

Note that prechamber and injector style dictate what kind of compression chamber adapter you need... unless you use a glow plug adapter.

Did that help or further confuse?

Sixto
87 300D

I've got a #17 head with injectors, cam, all cam towers were labelled when removed. Let me know if I can help.

__________________
daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more