flat rate labor time to change a 240d engine - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davestlouis · #1 01-03-2006, 09:20 PM

I recently killed the engine in my w123 240D and don't have access to Chilton books to see a flat rate time to change the engine. I realize putting a salvage engine may not be a straight R&R but at least I can get a rough idea about appropriate labor times. While it's apart, what other items should I address?

1. clutch parts
2. timing chain?
3.???

diesel don · #2 01-03-2006, 10:23 PM

I've heard guys say 4 hours out and 4 hours in. As for me, my second engine replacement job was about 6 out and 7 back in. In either event, it went quicker than I thought and was a good use of a parts car engine.

dp

t walgamuth · #3 01-03-2006, 10:28 PM

an indy would charge about 9 or ten hours. maybe as low as 7.

tom w

PagodaLover · #4 01-03-2006, 10:42 PM

A decent indy would probably charge about 8-10 hrs. I agree with ya. Run away if anyone starts talking 12-18.

Good luck.

davestlouis · #5 01-03-2006, 10:53 PM

What other stuff needs to be done at the same time? Motor mounts, etc? I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row so this goes smoothly.

origamitect · #6 01-03-2006, 11:45 PM

Putting in another 240D engine? or upgrading to a 5 cyl? That will make a difference of what to consider. Either way I would say definite yes on the engine mounts - you won't find a better time to put in some fresh ones. Before you pull the engine - take some pictures of the vacuum/electrical connections, or label them to make reassembly easier (trust me! from beating my head against the wall for three weeks over re-attaching vacuum lines...) You might want to inspect your existing vacuum hoses - if there is a lot of gunk in them either clean them all out (label label label!) or get replacements. Also oil cooler lines will be easier to get to with the engine out. Soft fuel lines if they haven't had attention recently. Are you keeping the existing tranny? or putting in an attached combo? If you have to separate the engine and tranny, I wouldn't mess with the clutch if it hasn't been giving you noise or other trouble. If you are keeping it, and it has been chattering etc. - then pull it apart and look for scoring, , check the release bearing (don't clean in parts cleaner!). Of course new filters for everything, and flush everything for a good clean start.

https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/skinnerbox.steaky.org is a good resource for all things 240D (most of the factory manual is on-line there). If you have access to a Haynes manual - it is helpful for the few things the skinnerbox site doesn't cover (like manual transmission linkage set-ups). I got mine @ Autozone @ Big Bend and Manchester in Clayton, MO. (no special order). Having multiple hydraulic jacks is very helpful for this process - if you only have one, borrow another from a friend. If you are inserting an engine/tranny combo, we found that having three people made the process fairly smooth - one to operate the engine hoist, two to watch clearance/engine angle/guide the engine side to side. Hope this helps.

t walgamuth · #7 01-03-2006, 11:48 PM

do the mounts, but they are easy to do later.

if you are doing it yourself, perhaps the most tricky thing is the oil cooler. itis very fragile and easy to damage, so be very careful... and install it exactly as designed cause if it chafes it will wear a hole very quickly. i bet more benzes have died early deaths from oil cooler damage than anything. it is very aviodable with a little care.

good luck

tom w

Stevo · #8 01-04-2006, 03:03 PM

You might consider doing the oil filter housing gasket. The feel of a new clutch is nice if the old one had allot of miles on it you'll appreciate it every time you shift. I would recommend the Haynes manual over Chiltons, it has a good section on pulling the engine. The 240D engine is not a big deal even by yourself if you have the adjustable spreader bar, a little tilt, a little up, a little wiggle and you got it Make sure the flex coupling is completely separated so the drive shaft doesn't pull apart. Don't ask how I know

Oh ya...leave the tranny support on the tranny, just unbolt (13mm) it from the car.

davestlouis · #9 01-04-2006, 09:32 PM

OK fella's, on the subject of the clutch, what type of service life can I expect from a clutch, with normal use...I think I'd rather spend the $$$ now than tear it down again later to replace it then.

t walgamuth · #10 01-04-2006, 11:43 PM

it might be a good idea to change the pp and disc. the labor for it is 3 to 400 if done later. lots less now.

tom w

Stevo · #11 01-05-2006, 12:47 AM

I think I payed around $350 for p/p, disc, & throw out bearing last time I did one. (just parts, my labor) Not cheap but easy to do with the engine out

I spoz a clutch should last 150K +-depending a great deal on what kind of driving you do.

t walgamuth · #12 01-05-2006, 09:01 AM

they will last in excess of 250k in a 240. i replaced one in a 250k plus benz that my son had been driving. the springs in the center of the pp, one, broke. the disc was not worn out. prob he was a little rough on it. i have owned maybe 12 240s and one 220, all but one sticks. the only other time i changed a clutch was when we had the motors out anyway and then did it as a preventative measure. all the motors i have rebuilt were bad when bought except my 300td which broke the vac pump and destroyed the cam chain, cam and cam towers.

i am a careful shifter. i try to teach my kids to be also. my wife is rough and now drives automatics.

i do like to drive fairly fast once underway but this is not hard on the clutch.

tom w

Anthony Cerami · #13 01-05-2006, 09:25 AM

I have done it in 4 hours.......however...
Hoses....motormounts....waterpump.....
It really depends on what you want
A water pump replacement pays 3.2 hours on some cars...this can add up!
It depends on a lot of factors.....

#14 01-05-2006, 09:29 AM

I have also R&R'd a 240D engine in 4 hours but it was to change the clutch. If you are changing engines, there will always be some pieces that you will have to transfer from one engine to the other that will add some time to that.

Good luck,