pics of CA car catalyst..... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vwbuge · #1 03-05-2004, 06:52 PM

Here is a few shots of my CA emissions '85 300SD. There are a few cracks around the catalyst and I was thinking of the swap to 48 state mainfold. Apparently I may be on my own on this one. I was just wandering if anyone can verify by the part numbers on the catalyst. My air cleaner goes where the big empty void is. I think all other SD's have the turbo mounted lower (where the catalyst is in my pics) and the air cleaner on top next to the valve cover.

vwbuge · #2 03-05-2004, 06:53 PM

I guess I will call these part numbers in to the MB dealer on Monday to verify that I have a catalyst.

kerry · #3 03-05-2004, 07:02 PM

If what you are calling a catalyst is a trap oxidizer, don't go any further yet. There was a recall on the trap oxidizer and Mercedes will replace the whole shebang with an alternative system for free. I believe this is true. Do a search on trap ozidizer and the info should pop up somewhere.

lrg · #4 03-05-2004, 07:23 PM

In 1985 (I know for sure on the 123 cars) the oxydizer and catalyst look exactly the same. That is NOT true on the later OM 603 engines. Ask the dealer to run a check to see if the retrofit was made. If it was they should have it on their national database since it was a warranty claim. You may need to go to a dealer to show the registration though since I've sometimes had trouble getting them to check stuff like that over the phone.

vwbuge · #5 03-05-2004, 08:09 PM

I am not 110% sure that is a catalyst on my car. PO records indicate that everything was replaced. I'll have to call the dealer to be sure.

Wasuchi · #6 03-05-2004, 08:10 PM

I just spent about 45 minutes looking for an old thread about swapping the CA and federal manifolds...... looks like the one I remember disappeared or I just imagined it because I can't find it!

And yes, take registration, title..... etc. to the dealer. Some of them like to see all that stuff before they do anything (local one here wanted all that stuff + dl and 2nd photo id to make a spare key..... I told them to forget it when they said $75 and at least 2 weeks.)

lietuviai · #7 03-05-2004, 08:10 PM

Looks identical to what I have under the hood of my '85 300D with the CA emissions junk. You already have the oxidizer catalyst according to the part number in the photo.
It is possible to change over to the fed version, you'd need to find one in a wrecking yard but you could use your old turbo. I know there is info on what you would need to get it done in this forum somewhere. I was thinking about doing the swap on my car to squeeze out a few more HP and MPG's and be able to use the cheaper air filters but I have other things that need attention before I go that route.

vwbuge · #8 03-05-2004, 08:32 PM

It seems that everyone (including myself) has seen that thread before but can't find it now. I was just thinking if it would be an easy swap over or if I have to disconnect or fiddle with any switches/gizmos unique to the CA model.

lietuviai · #9 03-05-2004, 08:49 PM

I don't think that it's anymore involved than R&R 'ing the manifolds, switching exhaust outlet pipe and switching the air cleaner. As far as I know the only thing electrically that is different is that the CA model has the tach linked to the EGR system somehow. There doesn't appear to be anything else different other than that but it wouldn't hurt to double check.

adamb · #10 03-05-2004, 08:51 PM

I did this very swap on my 1985 CA 300d for the same reasons you want to. Except, I retained the CA airfilter and intake tube after cutting the metal pipe at the elbow on the airfilter housing - It worked great!!! I found an intake and exhaust manifold with all the trimmings along with a turbo and put it on. I used my original oil supply tube. Believe it or not, you can even use the same turbo assembly, despite what some people might say, but yopu have to get a different oil return pipe - that's all, trust me on this one.
I almost forgot to mention that the exhaust down pipe will have to be shortened or you can buy a whole completely new system like I did.
The ARV can be shut, or, you can even simply remove the front housing on the turbo and use another one from a 48 state car if you like.
Good luck,
Adam Bush
BTW, my mileage went from 22 up to about 25-27mpg - well worth the effort to me!
Cya

lietuviai · #11 03-05-2004, 09:04 PM

Adamb, that's right. Your post was the very one I was thinking about.

vwbuge · #12 03-05-2004, 09:15 PM

Would the intake/exhaust manifold from an '83 300D turbo match up with my 300SD?

#13 03-05-2004, 10:21 PM

I did the switch as well. I bought an air cleaner from a Non California car. I also replaced the 1st. piece of exhaust system with new.
There is one other plus. Once this turkey is gone. You don't need the "SPECIAL STARTER." That is mounted up side down and cost and extra $100 for the starter.
I can't say I had any better gas milage. But I am sure that that trap won't mess up my turbo or engine.
Good luck.
Charlie

adamb · #14 03-05-2004, 10:28 PM

regarding mpg, for some reason our cali models with the trap were rated at only 22 mpg hwy and the non cali models were rated at about 26. I guess the torque converter and higher gear rear end in addition to the trap took away a little. One would think the taller gears would have improved mpg, but the higher stall speed converter takes that away I guess.
I was especially ammazed at the ampount of build-up from the EGR that was in both manifolds that I had. I pressure washed everything and all is better now.
Good Luck,
Adam

vwbuge · #15 03-06-2004, 12:03 AM

Thanks a bunch guys. I will be asking alot more questions as time goes by.
Adam,
I see you are from Meridian? The company I used to work for is headquartered there.