Hello, I think the computer is dead on my '87 300D Turbo and the engine has about 300k miles on it and seems to be pretty tired. I have a '81 300SD engine that needs a new head gasket. I am going to rebuild the head and put the 300SD engine in the '87 300. Does anyone have any idea of any problems I may run into? I like the lack of computer controls on the 300SD and think it is a better engine for the type of work I use it for. I run waste cooking oil as a fuel and the 300SD seems simpler and there is more info and a better supply of used parts for them. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Morgan

Morgan:

The computer only controls the idle speed, and you can work around that (also EGR and ARV, but you don't need those anyway).

I don't think it will be a simple drop in. The 617 wasn't used in that body at all, so may not even fit. Wrong engine mounts, different tranny (although you could use one from a W123 IF the flange can be replaced, flex disk is different....).

I'd guess you need a valve job unless you KNOW the bottom is bad, it should last 500,000 or so.

Expensive engine to rebuild, parts are about $5000 if you need new pistons....

You may simply have gummed up the IP using waste cooking oil -- I wouldn't, not in that IP, I'd do the biodiesel thing instead. Cooking oil, if not cleaned up very well, will make TONS of varnish in IP and injectors, even with 20% diesel. A nice bath with Diesel Purge may fix you up!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

I am getting fuel to the injectors and the injectors are new. Any ideas why it won't run? I tried running it on Diesel, Biodiesel and starting it with brake cleaner. Nothing seems to work. The fuel pump is definately working but the engine won't even fire on any cyliner. I ran waste cooking oil for about 7,000 miles without any diesel and then was forced to use diesel and the car died instantly. I replaced the injectors and it ran but wouldn't develop any power at low RPM. It finally stopped running and I cleaned the manifold out and checked the spray on the injectors, but it wouldn't fire at all. I was hoping to start new with a fresher engine. But if it is a huge project, I have better things to do. Also the car has always been a real dog. It is the slowest thing I've ever driven, and I've had diesel VW vans. Also, the car would die whenever the engine was revved. It didn't keep the RPM up when the engine deaccelerated quickly. Maybe the injection pump and the computer are bad? Also, will the 123 engine fit bolt up and work with the tranny in the '87? I'll try some diesel purge and see if that gets me anywhere, but I think there are several things wrong with the engine and it is not worth repairing.

A 603 in a W124 chassis a dog? It will outrun the 280 SE!!!!

Something is wrong here, specifically fuel delivery to the IP for bad performance, probably a bad turbo, and maybe something else.

Do a compression test and leakdown -- dollar to a donut the valves are long gone and the cylinders are leaking from stuck rings. A valve job will fix both.

An 87 300D is a road rocket when running correctly. It died on the diesel becuase you loosened up something and clogged the filters or the IP -- have you replaced filters and tried to run some Diesel Purge yet?

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

" the cylinders are leaking from stuck rings. A valve job will fix both".....
VERY TRICKY !!! Will save a lot of money compared to pulling the pistons and putting new rings in..... LOL

Low compression and sooty running will clog the rings -- getting the compression (leaky valves) fixed will raise combustion temps and clean up the top. so the rings get a chance to clear.

WVO is notorious for gumming up engines, it has too much protien in it.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

I have never heard of higher temps clearing out carbon on the rings.... and wonder if the oil squirters would affect this situation....