I've got the engine completely apart.

[Jetmugg]

Here's a quick follow up to my $500 '80 300SD which wouldn't start. The engine showed low compression, (under 50 psi in 2 holes), so I decided to pull the engine and go through it. I pulled the engine and tranny, and got the engine dis-assembled down to the bare block. 2 pistons were totally junked, lots of worn aluminum and scoring. The crank looks great, as did the bearings. I'll be dropping the block off at the machine shop ASAP, and let them tell me if the bores will clean up with either a 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm overbore. I hope they will, as I can save at least a little dough.

This was my first MB Diesel project, and one thing I have to say - these engines are complex. Lots of fasteners, brackets, accessories, etc. I'm used to working on Chevys and Dodges. I can usually look at any bolt from a SB Chevy and tell exactly where it came from. Not so with the Benz - but it definiely seems well engineered.

Just thought I'd share.

SteveM.