A cousin has a Mercedes diesel that just died. He wasn't able to give me much information, and other than W123 and W126 chasis< I do not know much.
I'll post what information I have----
1990 300D 2.5 liter turbo
While driving up the interstate, he noticed a large puff of black smoke ( first time he ever saw more than wisp) and then lost power. Quit and would not restart. Had it towed to his mechanic and was told, " its the oil pump, you need a new engine". Had it towed home and his neighbor got it running, roughly, but it wouldn't keep running. For some reason, the neighbor thinks it needs only a crankshaft and bearings. I don't know why as my cousin said there was no abnormal noise.
I hope to go visit, and check it out myself, but any guidance you all can provide would be appreciated. Is this a chasis?
Is this a "normal" failure mode for thse engines?
Thanks all.