I just had a newer and better 603 put in my ‘86 SDL. It’s better in most all regards than the older engine, which had 360K and as it turned out, a blown head gasket in two spots. I took the head off and saw them.

Still no regrets, the tranny/engine seals were bad with my old drivetrain and I’m pretty sure the tranny had suffered from it over the years.

However, the new engine, while it has smooth power at speed, better than my previous power plant, is sometimes weak from zero to, say, 15 mph.

I haven’t done a compression check, maybe someday, but the way it runs at speed leads me to think that’s OK.

Does anybody know of anything that’s good to check as SOP?

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Te futueo et caballum tuum

1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

I'd be testing the ALDA to make sure it's working properly. The oring on the shaft wears out and it can't hold the pressure required to increase fuel until latter in the boost curve.

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92 e300d2.5t
01 e320
05 cdi
85 chev c10

Is it your first turbo motor? They are sluggish off the line compared to a NA because of the turbo spool time and because thy are running a taller final gear.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

CMAC2012

Agree with dieselbenz1, check the ALDA adjustment, or possibly look to adjust it open or remove it altogether for better response. There are plenty of threads that discuss all of these options.

A couple of other areas to consider. Since you swapped engines, how much did you swap over or was it a complete like for like swap? Meaning, did you know the state of the turbo, intake manifold cleanliness on the (new) motor? These could also have an effect on performance. Lastly, you may want to double check the transmission bowden cable to ensure that it is adjusted properly. A good way to test if it is not, is to run the car hard, but manually shift it, starting out in the lowest selector setting (gear 2) to see if you are engaging even first gear or not. The difference in acceleration starting in first vs second is very noticeable.

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Stable Mates:
1987 300TD 310K mi (Hans)
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee OM642 165k mi (Benzrokee)

No. I drove this car for three years, on the original engine, had about 361K when the head gasket went. The current engine/Tranny are superior to what I had, over 20 miles an hour anyway, under that, sometimes does behave as though it’s not using first gear, a problem I have in my 300D.

I’ve counted several times and it’s using all four gears.

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Te futueo et caballum tuum

1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Sounds good, I’ll look into it.

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Te futueo et caballum tuum

1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K