Was wanting to ask how hard is it to remove the head on 83 300Diesel? Is it a job for a professional or can a shade tree mechanic do it ok? Are there any links out here for a site on how to do it?

You can do it. I'd recommend getting the service manual on CD (from M-B) as it has detailed instructions. A hoist will come in handy, as the service manual will tell you.

I checked on the site for mercedes benz and they didn't show 83 models listed. Do you have to initiate a special request or maybe no longer available?

Why do you need to remove the head?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

It's pumping oil on the hiway & I want to stop it. I don't like dealing with oil consumption.

Are you sure it's leaking from the head?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

I'm not for sure. No external leakage, but it could be the rings I suppose, as well.

A few of the major sources of oil consumption w/o leakage are rings, valve guides and bad vacuum pump. Oil burning is often seen as bluish white smoke and not black smoke. Worn valve guides will usually show as excessive oil smoke on start up. Rings on acceleration and the pump at all times. You need to narrow down your source of oil consumption before needlessly tearing into something.
What sort of oil consumption are you noticing?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Big time consumption on the hiway at constant mph like 70 etc...not so severe around town. How can you tell if it is the ip or not??

I wasn't talking about the IP but the vacuum pump. The IP will not affect oil consumption.
It seems the oil consumption is related to high speeds.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Is there a way to tell if the vacuum pump is the problem or not? I changed the oil the other day & did a 120 mile round trip. It used a 1/4 of a quart in that many miles. It doesn't seem to smoke on start up, but if I am into it hard on a green light sometimes I can see some black smoke in the rear view mirror.

It is possible that the oil filter housing could be leaking. Check around there, the amount of oil you describe as missing is hard to believe that it could be do to the engine burning it.

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http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...titled-1-3.jpg
1981 300d

Right after I bought my 83 300D, I discovered that the PO, or his mechanic, left a small piece of plastic between the valve cover gasket and head resulting in a sustantial leak that was resolved.

Has your vehicle had recent maintenance?

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83 300D 328k mi (623) Light Ivory - daily driver
82 300D 166k mi (881) Thisle Green - fixer upper
82 300D 282k mi (473) Champagne - parts

Could the Turbocharger also have an oil seal that is starting to leak, but only when under consistant Boost?? Or is that falty logic on my part??

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

Yes. If he has a turbo, the turbo seals could be bad. I wouldn't remove a head before narrowing down the source of oil consumption. The only thing on the head that will effect oil consumption are valve seals and they can be replaced without removing the head.
We need to know what kind of car you are referring to.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13