'77 300D engine into '75 300D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

slowmike · #1 05-03-2006, 09:31 PM

Got a '75 300D with a stuck engine and I'm looking at a wrecked '77 300D for the engine. Anyone done an engine swap from a 116 chasis to a 115? I'd like to know how big a can of worms I'd open if I went this route. Both are autos. This '75 has some rust but is too good to junk out IMHO. Looks pretty good except for the left rear finder that is losing its bondo in one spot from a long ago repair.

Anyone care to share their experiences?

Mike

#2 05-03-2006, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowmike

Anyone done an engine swap from a 116 chasis to a 115?

I don't have any useful info on the engine swap, but you are talking about swapping from a 123 (not a 116) if the donor car is a 77 300D.

slowmike · #3 05-03-2006, 10:22 PM

Opps! You're right Craig. I'm sleepier than I realized.

I stand corrected.

Engine from a '77 300D 123 chasis to a '75 300D 115 chasis.

Thanks,

Mike

t walgamuth · #4 05-04-2006, 05:48 AM

i dont have personal experience in that swap, but generally i think you will be ok with that.

someone else with personal expereince will chime in i am sure.

tom w

slowmike · #5 05-04-2006, 09:13 AM

Thanks Tom.

If I get the '77 I'd like to swap the complete engine and transmission as a unit unless there's an unexpected problem.

This old '75 is interesting because the fuel supply and injector pump is different visually than the one on the 123 chasis. Also, form reading old posts I think there is a change in bellhousings and how they bolt to the engine on the older models. I'm trying to stay awake at night and study old posts using the search function but it's hard with dial-up, which is the only service available in my area except satellite which I can't afford.

Thanks for your support.

Mike

boneheaddoctor · #6 05-04-2006, 10:27 AM

I don't think it will fit. Not from a W123 into a W115 chassis. Oil filter housing will be a problem. I understand there is not enough width to the W115 chassis for it to fit. And Incidently a '77 300D is a W123 chassis not a W116.

The W116 didn't get a diesel till 1978 which it had untill the last ones were built in 1980, and that model was the 300SD and that engine was a turbodiesel.

SD300 · #7 05-04-2006, 02:38 PM

The oil filter can be in the way, as the newer 77 300D has the oil filter up and back on driver side. The older style is closer to front driver side hang down the bottom.
My old 77 240d 123 has an older 240d engine in it. There is also a fron engine mount not connected in my 77. The older eng has a fron engine mount. Just under the flywheel.

If u have the time on your hand, perhaps pull the old engine out and compare the spacing first. But a couple of inches could spell hell for u.
Good luck.

Iam driving a 84 500sel w 126 with a 300D nonT in it. I have ordered 2 new engine mount, I felt the mount were toasted. As it idles she shakes violently.
Hopefully a new sets of mount will solve my prob. Generally the car is under power, a turbo will be great.

slowmike · #8 05-04-2006, 05:29 PM

Thanks Boneheadeddoctor and SD300.

I didn't think about the oil filter location being an issue, but now that you mention it it makes sense. The engine mounts where what I was wondering about. Sounds like I need to continue to research and investigate the 'red flags' ya'll mentioned before I make an offer on the '77 300D.

No substitue for experience and I appreciate you guys sharing yours.

Mike

t walgamuth · #9 05-04-2006, 11:16 PM

yes yes yes. you guys are right...it wont fit.

i missed the fact that it is 123 to 115....duuuuh. sorry.

lots of differences.

now it may be that the oil filters and such could be swapped. i think the basic motor is the same or very very close.

the intakes are different and the fuel lines and fuel filters. alternator mounts too.

tom w

tram · #10 05-05-2006, 02:16 AM

Power steering location will also be a problem. You're better off getting a 115 chassis engine. It could probably be done, but it's a LOT of engineering!

diametricalbenz · #11 05-05-2006, 03:32 AM

Plus the York and R4 compressors are in different positions. I would question the R4's clearance in the W115 engine bay.

slowmike · #12 05-05-2006, 08:55 AM

Tom, Tram, and Diametricalbenz, I salute you all.

Without everyone's contribution I'd have opened a can of worms I'd have likely regreted. There are some fine folks on this forum!

I'll be on the lookout for a good 300D or 240D? engine as a replacement. The 240D with the auto sure would be slow wouldn't it?

So much to learn and so little time.

Mike