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