Installing later engine into York a/c car - possible? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Smoker · #1 12-27-2019, 11:04 AM

I've decided rebuilding my 78 240D engine won't be a great idea, a PO has already gone in and done a swag at it and the area at rear seal is ugly. Was leaking 1qt in 15 mins running, seal installed wrong. Major blowby.

I found a donor '83 car, both have complete a/c, obviously York and R-4. Is it as easy as moving over the r-4 underhood components and leaving dash as is?

TIA - Eric

t walgamuth · #2 12-27-2019, 11:09 AM

I don't know the answer but there will be significant differences.

I am wondering if your engine might be good except for the seal? It might be worth just pulling the motor and taking the pan off to examine everything. If it is in good shape changing just the seal might be very cost effective.

Sugar Bear · #3 12-27-2019, 11:19 AM

I think it is as you asked use the R4 underhood components. Take a look at the last connection to or through the firewall. If the location is the same you may need some hose adapting at most. You probably are aware but don't expect much from the R4. If the York works and would bolt up that is what I'd prefer or a Sanden.

Good luck!!!

Sugar Bear · #4 12-27-2019, 11:22 AM

FWIW, rebuilt my 78 240D using first repair size pistons and boring the sleeves .5 mm. Was very satisfied with the results.

vwnate1 · #5 12-27-2019, 10:20 PM

The AC hoses you can always fiddle, these days the fittings and hoses are cheap and readily available .

However, I was considering an early non E.G.R. manifold swap on my '82 240D and discovered my '83 has different oil separator nipples than does the '79 .

I imagine this is do - able if you have a complete engine to swap in .

I'm curious to hear what the specific problem / damage to the rear main seal is .

ROLLGUY · #6 12-29-2019, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoker

I've decided rebuilding my 78 240D engine won't be a great idea, a PO has already gone in and done a swag at it and the area at rear seal is ugly. Was leaking 1qt in 15 mins running, seal installed wrong. Major blowby.

I found a donor '83 car, both have complete a/c, obviously York and R-4. Is it as easy as moving over the r-4 underhood components and leaving dash as is?

TIA - Eric

Yes- everything from the donor car will move over. The evaporator and TXV connections should be the same on both cars. The York suction (low side) hose going into the cabin is different for the R4, but the smaller hose may be the same on both cars. Other than that, all the rest of the engine bay A/C items should interchange without issue.

BillGrissom · #7 12-29-2019, 02:11 PM

Should work. The compressor shouldn't matter. Would be smart to replace the AC hose rubber anyway, so you can pick the length needed. Search for my post where I replaced all the rubber (exc. small liquid hose) in my 1984 & 85 300D. Simpler to run the H.P. hose directly to the condensor instead of the cluttered route up the R side of the OM617 engine like the factory did. I used "reduced barrier" hose for the suction to keep OD smaller.

Smoker · #8 12-31-2019, 08:56 AM

Thank you everyone! I was on a work trip and didn't get to log in again. Finally home. The sealing surface on the crank where rope seal rides is ugly. It looks like someone might have tried to pound in the seal without pulling crank clear? Maybe the infamous but likely impossible in car change.

I've never seen one leak that much. Literally steady stream when running. I thought it might have been an oil gallery plug until I got the flywheel off. I'll send crank pics later.

I have another engine now, stopped on the way home and grabbed a W115 instead of the later 123 so the r-4 issue averted. I know the W115 OM616 works going up into the 123 chassis, and it's a york car.

Still going to replace all a/c hoses with barrier, have a ton of hose left over from an a/c retrofit job

.

-Eric

t walgamuth · #9 01-01-2020, 04:37 PM

Sounds like a plan.

Maximan1 · #10 01-02-2020, 03:08 PM

A little late to the party, but yes you should be able to swap the engine in no problem. The compressor bracket should swap over directly to the new engine.

Sugar Bear · #11 01-02-2020, 04:03 PM

Agree the York compressor bracket will mount. I don't know about the oil filter housing or fuel shutoff for the injection pump though when putting a 115 engine into a 123. Anybody???

Good luck!!!

t walgamuth · #12 01-02-2020, 04:56 PM

The 115 oil filter is a cannister from below...not sure about an early 123.

Sugar Bear · #13 01-02-2020, 06:21 PM

The 123 is the tall vertical canister. Wondering if the 115 canister will clear the frame crossmember in a 123 chassis.

Smoker · #14 01-06-2020, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

The 123 is the tall vertical canister. Wondering if the 115 canister will clear the frame crossmember in a 123 chassis.

Yeh the 115 will go in a 123, but not the other way around. It is a bit of a pita, switching over injection pump, intake/exhaust, PS, fuel filter housing, heater hose block fitting, valve cover, linkage, but I got a nice strong engine and 4speed in a running and plated car that I was able to drive and test for $600.

I'm able to put some spares on the shelf too, and will ebay some other parts from the junker, gave it to a friend that hauls scrap.