Hey all.

[1985 300SD Sady]

I have just recently purchased a 1985 300SD for 300$ The body is mint, no rust whatsoever, but he said that the engine was seized. So i began to rip it apart and i bought a new engine off of ebay, it was shipped here yesterday, that only cost me 400$ shipped. So basically now , im doing an engine swap, do you guys have any tips?? Also the old "seized engine" is for sale, the head looks fine, and im willing to sell piece by piece. Make me an offer. Thanks.

[sixto]

I'm trying to think of what preventive maintenance you can do while the engine is out but nothing comes to mind. Main oil pan gasket and turbo oil return tube seals and gaskets maybe? Check timing chain stretch and the condition of the chain guides. If the front cover has to come off to replace guides, it's easier on the back to do this outside the engine bay. Certainly clean it thoroughly before installing.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[kip Foss]

Don't forget the front cover seal. Get a portable hi-pressure water blaster and clean not only the engine but the engine compartment. Check all the wiring for hardened wires and cracks. Same with the vacuum hoses. Install new transmission cooling lines. power steering hoses, perhaps brake hoses, check fuel and brake lines, replace fuel tank strainer, check the drive shaft center bearing, install 2 new bushings in the trans. shifting linkage ($0.75 each), take the radiator to a radiator shop and have them flush/rod it out, check for acid/rust damage under the battery on the wheel well (good time to fix it), check and lubricate the throttle and shift linkage, get the injectors pop tested, check the glow plugs (its not difficult to check them in the car but it is much easier when the engine is out), the list goes on.

[whunter]

Engine mounts, engine shocks, engine oil cooler lines.
If any of these are bad, now is the time to replace them.

As mentioned:
The area under the battery, but follow it all the way to the fuse box, power wash the trough out, especially if it is full of mulch or leaf crud.

"mplafleur", will tell you how critical this can be.