of course we all hate the 603, but why do you hate it the most? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dufflespank · #31 09-06-2007, 01:37 AM

Man, I hate removing the intake just to get at the injectors. It wouldn't even be that bad if the bolts were half way accessible. I have to use a wobble fitting, a universal joint, and ball hex socket to get at one or two of them, and often times the bolt heads become stripped and I come very close to crying.

Also, the 124 body is kind of ugly.

Mine was really slow when I bought it, and I remember just living with it and telling myself that all was alright because diesels are notoriously slow and this diesel was just another example. But one day, I cleaned out the pressure line from the intake to the ALDA and I had a different car!

lietuviai · #32 09-06-2007, 01:53 AM

When I tried changing the glow plugs in the 87 I had w/o removing the intake, I managed to break two 1/4" swivels since they were the only ones that would fit. I started with #6. I actually got it out. Threading it back in was even harder. It didn't quite go back like it did and I probably cross threaded it.

Anyway I took the manifold off after that to avoid any more potential disasters. With the manifold off I finished sinking the GP in #6.
It was a tough last few threads.
With the manifold off the rest weren't too tough to replace.

pawoSD · #33 09-06-2007, 02:39 AM

I don't think anyone has mentioned the injection system or injectors....are those all in good shape? Hows the timing and such....if its off a lot its going to not perform too well. My dad's 617 is a beast like no other, it will absolutely shove you into your seat from a standstill...and has incredible power....feels very much like a 603 SDL I rode in a while ago. Meanwhile....my car is quite a bit more sluggish off the line, smokes quite a bit more....not as much passing power/torque....but I still have my original injectors. They will be re-built within a week, then we'll see how its doing. His car was lethargic, smoked, and started/idled rough on a regular basis. Had the injectors rebuilt with bosio nozzles, it was a new car. Amazing difference. I just did a valve adjustment on it today too....first one in nearly 30k!

I thought it idled smooth and had power before....now its just ridiculous, super quiet, smooth and powerful... We need to do a 0-60 timing of it.

Next week I will have my injectors done and then I will do a valve adjustment....hopefully it improves mine as well.

Anyways....on the topic of the 603...I think they sound nice, and have great power...judging by the ones I've ridden in.

diametricalbenz · #34 09-06-2007, 03:07 AM

We got 235,000 miles out of our OM603 in our SDL. I didn't even know about the #14 head until after we sold it. We did have other ancilliary problems such as the trap oxidizer plugging up in 2000, exploding and sending everything through the intake tract. And the radiator blew up once.

aersloat · #35 09-06-2007, 03:09 AM

Recently I was able to get a copy of MB's "Introduction into Service" for Model Year 1987 300TD & 300D. A really useful book. The order # is 6510 1052 13. I don't know if this is the same book as the reprint that MB Classic sells as 6510 1052 02... Anyway, I only mention this because on page 89, in the beginning of the tranny section, it says, "Transmission starts in 1st gear when the selector lever is engaged in any of the forward speeds."

So in July of 1986 when this book was published and sent to dealerships around the US the MB engineers were of the impression that the W124 diesels were going to start in 1st. Is there a general consensus that the book was in error? You would think that it would be easy enough to check, but at the same time I am not sure my transmission is at its operational best.

This book, by the way, has excellent vacuum and wiring diagrams. The intent of this book was to provide the dealerships with a service cheatsheet, if you will, in advance of the release of the full service manuals. It focuses on new aspects of the two models compared to previous models. For some items it will say "this is similar to ..." and other items it will highlight the differences from previous years.

Cervan · #36 09-06-2007, 03:22 AM

i allways thought it was fun working on my 240d when it broke down, a 5cylinder would be even more fun (wich im going to be swapping into my 240d 4speed here soon im looking for a longblock 617) 603 and 606 would be plenty of fun to work with. (no sarcasm)

DslBnz · #37 09-06-2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aersloat

Recently I was able to get a copy of MB's "Introduction into Service" for Model Year 1987 300TD & 300D. A really useful book. The order # is 6510 1052 13. I don't know if this is the same book as the reprint that MB Classic sells as 6510 1052 02... Anyway, I only mention this because on page 89, in the beginning of the tranny section, it says, "Transmission starts in 1st gear when the selector lever is engaged in any of the forward speeds."

So in July of 1986 when this book was published and sent to dealerships around the US the MB engineers were of the impression that the W124 diesels were going to start in 1st. Is there a general consensus that the book was in error? You would think that it would be easy enough to check, but at the same time I am not sure my transmission is at its operational best.

This book, by the way, has excellent vacuum and wiring diagrams. The intent of this book was to provide the dealerships with a service cheatsheet, if you will, in advance of the release of the full service manuals. It focuses on new aspects of the two models compared to previous models. For some items it will say "this is similar to ..." and other items it will highlight the differences from previous years.

It seems to me, they ALL start in first gear by default. At least all the ones I've driven. The gasser W124's start in 2nd gear up until model year 1990. Its annoying, but the early W124's had shorter second gears (2.41:1 vs 2.27:1), and a higher (numerical) rear-end (3.07 vs 2.88).