I'm going to look at a 1987 300TD with an overheating problem (only under load) tomorrow. It has a #14 head, so I'm assuming it is cracked. I've really been looking for one of these cars and am fairly mechanically adept (I changed the head on a Volvo 240 a few years back, and had to machine new orifices for the smog pump).

My questions are:
1. Is there any chance that this is just the head gasket, and the head is OK?
2. How much does it cost for a new/rebuilt #22 head, and where can you find one?
3. Can you put the motor/head out of a regular 1987 300D into the TD? I've heard there is some issue with the hydraulic pump for the suspension...
4. The thing has 300K miles on it, so maybe I'd be better off with a whole new engine. Can you still get one from MBZ? Does it cost $15K?

Thanks in advance for any help...

Max Behensky

1982 240D (bulletproof)
1992 300D 2.5 Turbo (bad transmission)