engine capatibility between '85 300D and '80 300D

[ecology12]

Anyone out there know if an engine from '80 300D will work in a '85 300D and whether there would be any loss of power and gas mileage? I have a 85 300D with a spun bearring (sic) and have access to the early engine for free, but am far from sure as to the compatibility. Both are diesel turbo engines. Thanks

[mbdoc]

IF you can strip the early engine down to a "long block" & then swap all of the parts from the blown 85 motor including the turbo, exhaust, intake, oil filter housing, motor arms, & injection system, it should work. LOOK closely at the oil pan as well! Dont forget the trans mounting plate as well or the TACH won't work.

[t walgamuth]

when they changed the block from the frankenstein bracket for the ac. 80 might still be the old style. if so i think the blocks are different or at least may be. the internals are identical i think. other than that i think they are pretty much the same.

tom w

Are you sure the 1980 engine is a turbo? The first year for turbo-diesel 300D was 1982.

[engatwork]

MB Doc - does the '80 block have the provisions for the oil coolers? The 80 engine is not a turbo engine.

[ecology12]

Correction - the 80 engine that would be installed in the 85 300D is actually 300SD - How would this change/increase/decrease labor costs? and compatibility issues? Thanks

[mbdoc]

SINCE you already stated that both engines were turbo! I assumed that you had a W116.120 chassis 300SD engine & that IS what I based the info about that swap!

TURBO diesels appeared here is the USA as 1978 models! YES they already has the R4 GM a/c compressor!

[lkchris]

Both engines need to be turbo because of oil jet piston cooling modifications for turbo engines.