84 300 Turbo - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gunor · #1 05-03-2007, 11:40 AM

The old classic story of my parent’s 1984 W123 turbo

The car probably has under 100K miles, been garaged (and covered), been driven by my mother... all the services done....been stored in the barn for 5 years...

But, one cylinder is toast. Oil consumption....mechanic said it was bad. The motor runs - just extreme oil consumption (with smoke).

So the parents will give me the car. So I am in the process of finding a shop to rebuild or replace the motor.

I can find on the net used motors (not many) for around $1200.
Rebuilt Long blocks for $5200.

And I would like a long lasting engine/motor - so I kind of shy away from the used motor.

A local shop (Portland, OR) can rebuild the existing engine and replace the water pump and few other seals (transmission) for $6500 and with an 18,000 Mile guarantee. I still will have to complete a set of specifications and services prior to committing to the deal.

The rebuilt long blocks I have looked at, have rebuilt heads, IP, etc...And I would expect that from this rebuild. (And as a note - I would have to factor in core and transportation/crate fees).

Is this a good deal - good ball park figure....Or...

Overall, it doesn't make $ sense, but it is a nice car, good mileage, classic etc...

I am mechanically inclined, so I would be doing the other services (brake issues, vacuum, etc....)

Geoff in Afghanistan

BTW: yes this thread is on another site.

my123ca · #2 05-03-2007, 11:54 AM

Maybe you just need a valve adjustment. I cant believe that at less than 100T miles with all services done, one of your cylinders would die prematurely. They probably want your car.

tobybul · #3 05-03-2007, 12:36 PM

I wouldn't jump on engine replacement right away. As previous member said, there are many things that can cause oil consumption and smoking. Low mileage does not add up to bad engine. Do a little poking around. What does bad cylinder mean anyway? Worn rings?

bgkast · #4 05-03-2007, 03:27 PM

As long as you do your homework when looking for a used engine there is no reason IMO to spend $6K on a rebuilt engine. The only rebuild I would use is a Metric Motors engine: http://www.mercedesengines.net/products.asp?cat=40 That local shop likely does not specialize in Mercedes diesels, and these engines are not as simple to rebuild as a small block Chevy.

When you are looking at used engines do a compression test and see the engine run if you can. I found a used turbo engine in Salem for $750 that is now powering my 240D. You should be able to find one for less than that if you have time to look around.

With only 100,000 miles on your engine it is likely it is still OK, unless it was run out of oil or something. Try a compression test before you trash it.

Since when is Portland OR local to Afghanistan?

Gunor · #5 05-03-2007, 11:10 PM

Portland is very close to Afghansitan. Just a C-117 away to Kuwait. Then a commerical charter.....Or 2-3 weeks away by mail.

I think overall, I was looking for the "Easy" button - I'll wait till I get home. And snoop around (Ask the parents exactly what the mechanics said). Depending on the answers do the compression testing etc. See if I can find an optic bore scope (can you get in thru the glow plug/injectors?).

And I based alot of my research on the mercedesengines.net site. I even called them - they were helpful.

Thanks

Geoff in Kabul

bgkast · #6 05-03-2007, 11:16 PM

Depending on the size of the scope you may have to pull the prechamber. My bet is a leaky turbo seal or something similar causing the smoke and oil loss.