A couple of years ago when I put my 617 turbo into my 240D, I had to face the pilot bearing issue as my engine was a 1985 build. My good friend Willard in Phoenix told me to freeze it in the freezer over night and stick it in. Well I did that, but I think in the rush to get that frozen bearing I really did not have a plan. So on a hot July morning with the engine in the sun, I took that bearing and it slipped into the bore probably 3 to four inches and I was not on the "ready" with a good socket and hammer to push it to the back of the bore. By the time I found the correct tools, (you know, minutes fly by then), it had warmed up and increased in size to the point where I had to really hit it hard with a shop hammer driving a heavy duty deep socket which really was to small. I felt at the time that I did not do that bearing any favor.
Well I got about 15,000 miles on it when last fall, with no warning it froze up. With the pilot bearing seized up of course you can have not clutch action and to run a Mercedes Diesel with a stick you need plenty of clutch action.
So it did work, but I would not recommend it as a proper install. Better to make a bronze bushing.
So I am in the process of pulling that very fine engine and I am going to install an 80 or 81 SD engine which I pulled out of a local junkyard about 4 years ago. I know it runs because I got it started in the yard. But I think it will be difficult to fine one as good as the one I am running. If I can get the pilot bearing out of that engine I will make a bushing. But I think the prospect of getting that bearing out is not good. Even to get the engine and transmission apart might be a challenge, but I think they will come apart. I just checked the compression on that 85 engine and it is 415 to 430 psi on all five cylinders. I was going to install a new vacuum pump this spring, but will have to postpone that for now. Now it is time to watch MLB. End of the practice season today, regular games start Monday.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!