Mercedes in a Datsun - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ketshy · #1 05-03-2006, 07:43 PM

I am looking for a small diesel engine for my truck (a 1982 Datsun 720) and after much looking one that will work I've decided on a Mercedes engine. I have considered the effects of this swap and am still interested but I'm torn between the 300s turbo diesel or the 240s regular old boring diesel. If someone here would be so kind as to provide me with measurements for these engines (they don't need to be exact, just close) and of the transmission I would greatly appreciate it. Also I don't know much about these engines so if you see any problems feel free to let me know. Thanks in advance, Kyle.

Panzermann · #2 05-03-2006, 07:53 PM

...a diesel?

t walgamuth · #3 05-03-2006, 08:03 PM

well these diesels are pretty heavy. i think even a 240 is around 480#.

the 617 turbo is i belive about 100 heavier.

prob a lot more than what came in the datsun.

you might want to get a bigger truck or a lighter diesel.

tom w

Panzermann · #4 05-03-2006, 08:34 PM

...is also pretty heavy on an MBz, compared to what might have been in the truck.

brownbear · #5 05-03-2006, 08:38 PM

You might consider a Toyota diesel. The 2l-t diesel. Its small, 2.4 Liters. And if it has the T in the model its a turbo.

Although harder to find. Better for a light truck than a MB diesel.

Panzermann · #6 05-03-2006, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownbear

You might consider a Toyota diesel. The 2l-t diesel. Its small, 2.4 Liters. And if it has the T in the model its a turbo.

Although harder to find. Better for a light truck than a MB diesel.

Probably a lot easier to shovel into this project car of the same make, rather than trying to adapt an MBz engine.

rwthomas1 · #7 05-03-2006, 11:05 PM

If you are looking for a small diesel pickup they were sold sporadically by several manufacturers. Toyota, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Nissan and GM (Isuzu) all sold them. Unless you have a truck and already own an engine/trans combo to swap in then I recommend finding/buying a one and selling yours. The result will be much cheaper and easier. RT

SD300 · #8 05-03-2006, 11:16 PM

Unless u take the 240d and tranny together then may work.
Finding the adapter can be a real chore. Knew some one in Calif make these adapters.

300D is much longer.
Or put air bags in to support the extra wt. Then can be front heavy.

lietuviai · #9 05-03-2006, 11:43 PM

720's were available with a diesel engine in '82. I had one.

babyjames · #10 05-04-2006, 12:13 AM

might save a TON of work.

http://dieselhead.net/dieselHead_inventory.html

Jay.

Ketshy · #11 05-04-2006, 02:32 AM

First off, thanks for the quick responses. I can't say I was expecting that. Second, What I am looking for is an easy to find rear wheel drive five speed diesel. Yes, you could get a diesel Datsun, but it was only two wheel drive and even weaker

than the mercedes engine, plus probably much more difficuly to find. If I do stumble across a lighter diesel such as that or one from a Toyota or other such light truck I would love to use it instead. However, chances are I will not be able to find one for cheap. The reason I decided on a Mercedes diesel is because of the fact that they are common and, if I find a wrecked or rusted out one, cheap (compared anyways). I am sort of attached to my truck and am not about to buy something else, how dare you suggest such a thing

. The 720 is a divorced transfer case so I don't (hopefully) need to worry about the adapter because I can use the Mercedes tranny. Jay, does that dieselHead inventory change often? If it does I may be able to find something else after all.

nuckingfuts · #12 05-04-2006, 05:25 AM

I am an unfaltering optimist. GO FOR IT........ don't let anyone tell you it cannot be done.....Hope these ideas will help.

I owned a 83.5 Nissan/Datsun and still have in the back yard a dually (yes dually) 77 Datsun pickup. Conversion during the 70s

I turned my 83.5 into a quasi pre runner and was in the process of putting a 350 into it. Similar weight to the 240 diesel the only recommendation was to get aftermarket springs for the front(ford half ton springs worked on mine) if you PM me and remind me I will get you the name of a company that will build an adapter from any engine to any tranny.

If you have a good donor motor and access to or own a welder this will be cost effective. If you are not technically savvy you should find a diesel already installed.

t walgamuth · #13 05-04-2006, 05:27 AM

well, it sounds as if you have given it a lot of thought.

i checked out the diesel head site. pretty cool i saved it.

i have a scout four gas that i use to push snow around at my building parking lot and my driveways. i would love to convert it to diesel or switch to a scout with a diesel but the little use i give it wont justify really any cost at all, and we have the engine running pretty well at present and the bottom of the body is about two thirds aluminum now so i am probably going to stick with the present setup.

and it gets driven so little the chance of anybody hitting it so i can retire the hulk is minimal too,

tom w