Sorry to hear. Re-reading your first post, I wonder if the piston just recently popped when you drained out the old diesel fuel and fired it up.

If the vehicle itelf is in decent shape, you might consider not giving up. Maybe replacing the motor. Really hate to see these fine old Mercedes going to the crusher.

I am the original owner of an '81 300SD and just recently spent some bucks to have the driver's seat repaired and recovered. And plan to polish the hood out this week. Do not ever plan to send it to the crusher.

I think I'll likely give the car back to my friend. He has 4 others, and he has a lot of sentimental value in the car. Putting a new motor in it would probably cost me around $1500 (cost of a motor, plus engine crane and other things). Plus the car still needs a radiator, tires, and other things that bring the total to get it back on the road to well over $2500.

I really liked the idea of owning a Mercedes diesel, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards for me yet. Perhaps another time. I'd really like to get one with a turbo diesel, but only if it had a manual transmission.

Keep your eyes open; there are a lot of them out there.

Good luck. Thanks for the interesting thread.