Newer Head update
 

Well folks I'm on the hunt for a newer (than a #14) head for my '87 300D. Currently searching yards for a 350 to pull the head, IP and turbo from. Question is, if I can get a complete later (#20 or above) head, what needs to be done to install it? I read about prechamber mods and or replacement but have not seen anything regarding a complete head replacement. I want to grab the turbo and IP as well to upgrade the hp some. The reason for this is I'm getting small amounts of oil in the cooling system indicating a failing head gasket. I don't have coolant in the oil or "morning after" pressure yet but want to address this before too long. I have another complete engine and trans but that engine also has a #14 head on it. Any info would be appreciated.

First: there is nothing wrong with a #14 head that there is nothing wrong with.

If you pull the head from a 350, grab the injector lines too and you are good to go.

I had the same symptoms for 30,000 miles. Changed head gasket at 325,000 miles, now at 364,000 using the orginal #14 head. Was not worth the money to upgrade.

If you get a 350's head get the injector lines and the injectors. The thread pitch is different on the prechambers. The glow plugs are different as well.

-Jason

I would not stress out about the No 14 either. Sure if yours was damaged or something I would be on the hunt. Now if you get a steal on a later head, go for it.

Later ones start at 17...

If you find a head newer than #14 get the injectors as the ones from the 14 head will not fit anything newer,the 2- 8mm bolts inside the front of the head,timing chain area are longer than the ones from the 14 head as well.Would be nice to get the injector pipes too but if you dont get them your old ones can be reshaped to fit the angled injectors, bend the pipes carefully so that when you attach them to the injectors they are not under any strain and be sure that all the plastic retainers are in place to prevent the lines from vibration failure. Don

Thanks guys, that's what I was hoping to hear. I know the 14 head is fine and my spare motor has a 14 head also. I figured if I could find one in a yard, why not upgrade? If I don't find one by June or July, I will just change the gasket, go over the head and put it back together.