Top-Mounting A/C Compressor On OM617 Turbo Engine Like A Naturally Asprirated Engine
 

I'm planning out my fantasy OM617 turbo diesel conversion on a W111 230S that I don't own and can't find yet. I can dream. Installing the engine requires relocating the oil filter housing because the brake booster and shift linkage are in the way.

I want to relocate the brake booster to the front of the engine on the power steering pump bracket as shown. The car will not have power steering, which is fine with me, but another consequence is the air conditioning compressor will not fit in the stock location anymore. The attached pictures are not of my car, but show what I where I want to put the oil filter housing.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1543542608
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1543542608
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1543542608

Therefore, I'd like to mount the compressor on top like on a naturally-aspirated 300D. It will also work better with the original air condtioning setup the W111 has. I'm wondering how feasible this is. It looks like the compressor might be able to be relocated simply by adding a compressor bracket from a naturally aspirated 300D and then using the thermostat housing and hoses that go to the engine so everything clears.

I happened to find a picture of an OM617 turbo engine with a top-mounted compressor, but don't know if it was an easy installation or required a lot of modification. If anyone here has relocated their compressor up top on their OM617 turbo, I'd be interested in hearing about it.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1543542608
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1543542608

I made a custom top mount bracket for a sanden AC compressor for my OM617 in my jeep cherokee. I will find pictures

Here is what I came up with for my swap:

<a href="https://imgur.com/Vso79Gf"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Vso79Gfl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/ajJpY4J"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ajJpY4Jl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/Vso79Gf"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Vso79Gfl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

I had to space the power steering pump away from the block about 3 inches. Also I got rid of that crappy bulky factory oil filter housing and ran a remote oil filter setup with a modern oil filter. Works like a charm and is WAY more low profile than the bulky factory housing. I can get more pictures if you would like.

I'd imagine any of the A/C brackets from an OM615-616 would be the same. More than likely one from a M110 W114 would also work.

I don't know if I have one from a M110 but I do have a couple of the adapter plates to use a Sanden compressor instead of the York "thumper".

Just a side note. Not all NA om617 used the top mount. My 79 didn't. I believe it was only the 78 and earlier that did

Wow, that's the first time I've seen one mounted like that. Thanks for sharing. In my case it will be best to have it on the right (passenger) side of the engine.

I have a bracket from a 280SE M130 or something. Maybe I'll see if that will work.

Okay. Hopefully one of those will bolt right up with the proper thermostat housing.