87 300TD head/engine repair
Hi All,
My dad has an 87 300TD that started overheating, took it to a shop that pulled off the head which showed a couple of visible cracks. At least one piston top looks as though something got caught in the combustion chamber and took a pounding. I think the mileage is close to 200K, brakes and front end were just gone through. Is it worth putting the money into a new/rebuilt head and possibly rebuilding the block as well? What are some good avenues to pursue to find decent prices for the parts if it is worth it? What about a complete long block?
Many Thanks,
Matt

There's lots of reading for you in the Diesel discussion forum archives.

If you're a competent wrench, you can replace the head for around $2000. Needing lower end work complicates things.

The best sources for parts are the FastLane and PartsShop links at the top of this page.

You can try Metric Motors (www.mercedesengines.net) or www.adsit.com for rebuilt long blocks. I believe Metric Motors is in the San Fernando Valley. Good for logistics, bad for sales tax. I think you're looking at $6000 for a rebuilt long block, which is more than the value of the typical 200K mile 87 300TD.

Try wrecking yards such as Potomac German Auto (www.pgauto.com) or whatever's local to you for running long blocks. There's no absolute way to check for head cracks on an assembled engine though.

My take is that the car is only worth repairing on a DIY basis. There's no financial sense in paying someone to do it at today's hourly rates.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Thanks Sixto,
That was kinda my feeling as well. Thanks for the heads up on the parts connections.
Matt

One of the best Mercedes salvage yards around is Sun Valley ,it's near L.A. I have had good luck buying used parts from them.

They also offer rebuilt transmisions at very good prices I was just quoted $1250 for tranny for my 81SD and thats with a torque converter and a 2 year warenty.........

William Rogers........

William,
Thanks for your reply. I've heard of that particular yard and may have even been there before. I'll be sure to check them out before deciding on the fate of the car.
Matt

Well I just found out I can get a good running complete engine for $1500, so at this point that will be the road we're going to travel. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
Matt