What is safe maximum sustained RPM that I can run my 602.962 and not worry that I am beating it to death?

I have read elsewhere (not sure where right now) that at 50% to 60% of red line an engine can run indefinitely.

Is that true for a diesel too?

3000 RPM = 80 mph in my 300D.

Redline for a 602 is…I don’t even know the answer to that.

3750 RPM is 100 mph for me…can I run that speed for an hour or more someday when I’m cruising across the lonely southwestern states of AZ and NM?

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1993 W124 300D 2.5L Turbo, OM602.962
2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2.4L DOHC
2002 Ford Explorer, 4.0L SOHC
2005 Toyota Prius, 1.5L

http://www.fuelly.com/sig-us/40601.png

A healthy 602 should easily and happily run at 3750 with a load.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

What is red-line for this engine?

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1993 W124 300D 2.5L Turbo, OM602.962
2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2.4L DOHC
2002 Ford Explorer, 4.0L SOHC
2005 Toyota Prius, 1.5L

http://www.fuelly.com/sig-us/40601.png

The reason there's no red mark on the tachometer is that the redline of the engine (at least under load) can't be reached with the amount of fuel the injector pump can deliver. The thing simply hits a "natural redline" with your foot on the floor before the engine is in the range of causing harm. That's my understanding, anyway.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

redline is 5,100rpm on the 602.961 turbo that I have

I would think 4k is the max sustained I would run.

the killer on these isn't RPM, these engines are ludicrously strong, its the EGTs under load.

I believe the injection pump is equipped with a governor as well.

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1992 850i 6 speed
1991 M3 S54B32 swap
2007 328iT/6 RWD sport wagon
1987 325E 330iZHP engine swap
2004 Vespa 200GT
1976 W115 240D getting a much bigger engine. 5.5L
1997 R129 SL600 5AT