As long as the body is good, $1000 is a steal for a 300TD. Even if the engine has a rod sticking out, that is not a bad price. You can find OM617 engines at almost any junk yard for a few hundred but the only issue is the SLS pump. Maybe that can be converted to belt diven, etc worst case scenario.

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1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge