4.5 liter used engine value?

[vandor]

I will be looking at a nice 280SE 4.5 with a bad engine. How easy is it to find a used engine, either good used, or rebuildable core? I am in the Dallas, Texas area.
Also, what should I expect to pay?
Thanks,

Csaba

[Tony H]

Check with Alabassi. He is in Dallas and posted a ad to part out a 75 450 with a good engine. Either way these engines are cheap and plentiful. I bought a "core" 450 engine at the Pick and Pull for $150 and upon tear down was found to be in great condition. Unfortunatly all I needed was the block.

[Tomguy]

Aside from roasting cams (due to clogged oiler tubes and neglected oil changes), and overheating causing cracked blocks and/or warped heads, the 4.5s tend to run forever. My 4.5 with 145k still showed the original hatching on the cylinder walls with no scoring whatsoever. I suppose if someone neglected the 4.5 timing chain long enough it could break or skip causing valve/piston engine detonation.

These engines last forever and are quite cheap because
1) The engines outlast the cars. The bodies will rust to bits with the engine still running like new.
2) Many people (upon needing to replace their original engine) often choose to stick something else in like a 5.0, 5.6, or an American engine.

[vandor]

On this one the timing chain let go and it put a hole in the block. I assume the hole is actually in the timing cover, but I have not seen it. I hope it can be fixed, but if not it will need a new engine. I have not decided to buy it yet.
Thanks,

Csaba

[Ron Jolliffe]

I have one that came out of a good running car wrecked in the right rear. It is complete even down to the accessory pumps. It has been stored indoors for the last 6 or 7 years. It is in Idaho, you can have it for $500 but you would have to arrange shipping. It is bolted on a a pallet and could be wrapped up in vinyl easily for shipping, probably weighs about 600 lbs.

Ron
'91 300TE 4 Matic
'81 280CE [grey market]
'63 220 Seb Cabriolet
'54 220 Cabriolet A

[Tomguy]

If the body is rust-free, even if it needs a paintjob or other stuff, I'd go for it if you have the means and space to fix it!

[vandor]

Hi Ron,

I will definitely consider it if I end up buying the car.

Actually they are asking almost $4k for it, however it looks stunning in the pics, the exterior is perfect, interior very good, hearer and AC work, recent work done, etc etc. So with a new engine it would be an excellent car.

However, I think it's worth less than $3k, and the seller may not see it that way...

Csaba

[vandor]

I bought the car! It's in beautiful shape. I will bring it home next weekend.
I'll post pics later.

Csaba

[vandor]

I attached some pics. The car is super nice, with a lot of recent maintenance done. It has H4/H1 headlights, retractor seatbelts front and back, new tires, batter, rear calipers, etc etc.
The only faults I could find are that the rear seat is not perfect, and there is rust around the rear tow-hook.
The broken timing chain knocked a hole in the left head and valve cover.
If I am lucky all I need is a new timing chain, left side head and some valves. And a water pump, hoses, belts, etc etc etc etc etc :-)

Today I bought an engine from a '76 450SL (there was a 50% off sale at Pick-n-pull), I think it's identical other than the ancillaries.

I can't wait to get it next weekend!
bye,

Csaba

[suginami]

Welcome to the club.

My 280SE 4.5, The Red Baron, says "hi".

[vandor]

Thanks! I'm sure I'll be asking a lot of questions in the near future.

[Adv_rider]

Saw this: Mercedes Rebuilt Engines