1981 230ce slicktop - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sixto · #16 11-19-2017, 11:35 AM

The 230C through ‘80 has the M115 with single Stromberg (175?). The 230CE from ‘81 has the M102 with KE-Jet.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

ROLLGUY · #17 11-19-2017, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

The 230C through ‘80 has the M115 with single Stromberg (175?). The 230CE from ‘81 has the M102 with KE-Jet.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

My mistake, I was a year off. The model name 230CE I would equate to a (2.3L) C-oupe E-inspritzung (fuel injection) the same way I would equate a 300 (3.0L) C-oupe D-iesel.
A photo of the engine would be great.

CDTurbo001 · #18 11-19-2017, 01:11 PM

Yes, my comment was based on the M102 numbers - 134HP and 146 tq? - vs. the NA OM617 numbers.

ROLLGUY · #19 11-19-2017, 02:29 PM

Photos of M115 & M102 in a W123

ROLLGUY · #20 11-19-2017, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

The 230C through ‘80 has the M115 with single Stromberg (175?). The 230CE from ‘81 has the M102 with KE-Jet.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

I am not saying you are wrong, but doing some (actually very little) research, I have found one 1980 230CE with the M102 engine. Also, every photo of engines viewed by searching "Mercedes 1980 230CE" showed the M102. Either way regardless of what engine it has, this is an extremely rare car here, and it is my opinion that it should not be used as a donor car for a Diesel engine.

sixto · #21 11-19-2017, 03:04 PM

True. In the MB way both were offered as MY ‘80. What remains is 230C is M115, 230CE is M102. Same with sedans and wagons.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

sixto · #22 11-19-2017, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Photos of M115 & M102 in a W123

OT, what’s the purpose of the crossover tube from thermostat housing to water pump inlet?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

ROLLGUY · #23 11-19-2017, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

True. In the MB way both were offered as MY ‘80. What remains is 230C is M115, 230CE is M102. Same with sedans and wagons.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

If that is the case, then his 230CE does in fact have the M102

bsrjironman · #24 11-19-2017, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I am not saying you are wrong, but doing some (actually very little) research, I have found one 1980 230CE with the M102 engine. Also, every photo of engines viewed by searching "Mercedes 1980 230CE" showed the M102. Either way regardless of what engine it has, this is an extremely rare car here, and it is my opinion that it should not be used as a donor car for a Diesel engine.

Thanks for the sample photos. My car has the M102.

The situation is changing. After repairing the fuel lines, verifying fluids, and running the engine for a time, I've got more information.

It appears to have lost a cylinder. Significant "blow-by" in the crankcase, "lumpy" (however, consistent) running, and excessive smoke on acceleration. I haven't isolated the source via compression test (top or bottom end) because I don't think it matters to me. I'm not interested in spending the time/money that would be involved to get this car road-worthy. Best-case scenario would be headgasket failure, and I don't even want to invest THAT much, let alone an engine rebuild.

At this point I'm looking at two options:

sell car complete
cannibalize/part-out

I agree with ROLLGUY, and it would be a shame to see it modified/dismantled, but I'm not interested in another long-term project right now. It's about the [short-term] investment for me.

I've got to give it a think.

ROLLGUY · #25 11-19-2017, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsrjironman

Thanks for the sample photos. My car has the M102.

The situation is changing. After repairing the fuel lines, verifying fluids, and running the engine for a time, I've got more information.

It appears to have lost a cylinder. Significant "blow-by" in the crankcase, "lumpy" (however, consistent) running, and excessive smoke on acceleration. I haven't isolated the source via compression test (top or bottom end) because I don't think it matters to me. I'm not interested in spending the time/money that would be involved to get this car road-worthy. Best-case scenario would be headgasket failure, and I don't even want to invest THAT much, let alone an engine rebuild.

At this point I'm looking at two options:

sell car complete
cannibalize/part-out

I agree with ROLLGUY, and it would be a shame to see it modified/dismantled, but I'm not interested in another long-term project right now. It's about the [short-term] investment for me.

I've got to give it a think.

Consider selling it to someone that has access to a good used M102 (still somewhat plentiful around here), so it can remain intact.

bsrjironman · #26 11-19-2017, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Consider selling it to someone that has access to a good used M102 (still somewhat plentiful around here), so it can remain intact.

Would love to. But in my experience, that in itself is a "long-term project"!

sixto · #27 11-19-2017, 03:43 PM

Counterpoint - it’ll be a lot more work to transfer CE features to the CD. Drop the 617 or a 617 into the CE and enjoy. No one in the US is going to restore that 230CE. It’s rare in the US but not worth the cost of restoring. I expect you’ll regret letting the features get away the next time your ACC or a power window acts up.

Does it have SLS? Is there a pump at the front of the cylinder head?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

ROLLGUY · #28 11-19-2017, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Counterpoint - it’ll be a lot more work to transfer CE features to the CD. Drop the 617 or a 617 into the CE and enjoy. No one in the US is going to restore that 230CE. It’s rare in the US but not worth the cost of restoring. I expect you’ll regret letting the features get away the next time your ACC or a power window acts up.

Does it have SLS? Is there a pump at the front of the cylinder head?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

If it were closer, I would restore it. I have access to an engine, and have a Diamond Blue 300CD parts car. I believe I am not the only one that would/could restore the car, given it's rarity.

bsrjironman · #29 11-19-2017, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Counterpoint - it’ll be a lot more work to transfer CE features to the CD. Drop the 617 or a 617 into the CE and enjoy. No one in the US is going to restore that 230CE. It’s rare in the US but not worth the cost of restoring. I expect you’ll regret letting the features get away the next time your ACC or a power window acts up.

Does it have SLS? Is there a pump at the front of the cylinder head?

No SLS.

The swap is still on the table, but admittedly it’s looking like more than I want to take on. Would require more time than money, and that’s more valuable to me.

Everybody (myself included) hates to see a rare car molested, but VERY few people want to spend the time and money [re]store it.

sixto · #30 11-19-2017, 04:14 PM

Fair enough. I was reverting attention to the stated desire in the original post and vonsmog’s follow up.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon