Went to check out two OM617-engines today that I saw being advertised in a local craigslist-type of forum. Made compression test on the first one, had quite bad readings (19/16/18/14/15 bar). The other one was on a shelf almost one story high, could just visually inspect it but it looked old and well worn. No deal.
This leads me into thinking, maybe there ain't no good used engines available any more. Most are so old and probably used in two or three cars before shelved or put up for advertise.
What would it require to rebuild an engine to, well not like new condition but, acceptable condition?

New sleeves, piston rings, bearings, valve guides/seals, head gasket, timing chain, chain guides, vacuum pump.. anything else?
What would this cost in parts?
Most of this I could change myself, since both my cars are in running condition and I have no hurry to do the job.

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Tomas, Sweden
1966 Mercedes Benz 230S with OM617.912, automatic. Disk brakes from W108
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD grey, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD blue 7-seater, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual

Your cylinder liners will need top dressed and bored for the pistons. If your old piston are too tired its really going to cost. Most valves will usually have to be changed rather than just resurfaced. The guides and seals are not too high in price. Think 2-3,000 doing it yourself at least with the machine work required and the head farmed out.

Most members when faced with this try to locate another good engine. I would try for one out of a rusty car I could purchase cheap. Or a damaged car with a really good engine.

I will not buy a used engine out of a car from a junkyard unless there is paperwork of a recient rebuild. Or I can examine it running and do a compression check. Far too often one boat anchor is changed for another.

This is excellent advice, and exactly what I recommend. I concur on the cost of rebuilding too. It might be too low now though with the poor exchange rate of the dollar.

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.