Hello,

I am thinking of having my OM617A rebuilt/replaced. Can anyone recommend any quality rebuilders who do a thorough and professional job? What is a reasonable price to do a long block?

I don't know if it is really an issue, but I live in Canada. However, I have no problem using a US company if they do good job for a good price.

Thanks,

Steve

Check out Metric Motors, plan on about $6000US for a long block:

http://www.mercedesengines.net/default.asp

Is there anyone else one of you might recommend? Is there really only one good engine rebuilder in North America?

Thanks for the one reply so far.

Steve

AFAIK, they are the best. Maybe someone else has another recommendation.

I don't know of any other house with a similar reputation.

You may get a quality engine from another house........but, is it worth the risk?

You cannot save $2K from another house unless the same level of overhaul is not performed. There are many ways to save money on a rebuild if you wish to provide a 6 month warranty. Metric doesn't use any of them.

My favorite machinist would do it but not for a whole lot less, probably. The shipping from Indiana might be less depending on where you are.

He would not be able to turn it around like metric would either. I imagine they have them in stock.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Maybe get a price on a short block from Metric and have the Head rebuilt locally (with you supplying the new valve springs and valve stem seals so that you get good quality ones). The camshaft you can deal with yourself. You should be able to see if the cam lobes are in reusable shape and the bearing journals should be easy to measure.
A short block would mean you would probably need to install the timing chain also.
This leaves the turbo, IP and fuel injectors to decide what you want to do with also.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Well........you started off just fine.

Get the price for the short block and send the existing head into Metric for an a-la-carte diagnosis of its needs. The cost won't be more than any local shop and there is no question about the end result.

Seriously, how are you going to ensure that a local shop measures the valve stems accurately to .0001"............or the valve guides get reamed to .001" over the stems?

I'm not sure you would save much, there's only a $2500 price difference between the short and long block, and the short block does not include a IP or a head. A reman IP is worth about $1000 and I can't imagine spending much less than $1000 on the head, so we are talking about saving $500 (not counting R&R labor). It doesn't seem worth the hassle.

It's only worthwhile if you don't plan to replace the IP and you don't mind shipping and waiting for your own head to be reworked.

My IP only has about 80K on it and I don't think I would reuse it, it's too much of a PITA to R&R. I guess you could save up to $1000 if the head didn't need much, probably doesn't make sense for those of us with 400K mile heads.

Adsitco has a spotty reputation for costumer service (returns, problems, etc.). My indy shop will not deal with them because of past problems. Also, I don't see how they can do a decent rebuild at those prices.

With Metric Motors you also get Glow Plugs, Fuel Injectors with the Injection Pump. And 4 year 50,000 mile warranty.

Charlie☺

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

i rebuild my own engines,only the cranks are outsourced if they fail the specs.
problem with my service is that i havent got the history behind me yet,25k is the most miles i have on any rebuild,that one (91 350sdl will get another trip from louisville ky to key west fl next week)
i plan on offering a service that will be complete for those that want to keep their old diesels,service will only be provided with the engine being installed by my shop.
it would be interesting to hook up with some one who drives like 50k a year to use one of my engines as a trial unit.
will keep the forum informed.
larry perkins lou ky

..........Craig is your man........