Where can I buy pistons for a 300D turbo? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BillGrissom · #1 04-23-2012, 03:09 PM

I have my 1985 300D turbo engine (OM617.952) taken apart. I need at least 2 pistons, preferably 4. Has anybody bought any recently? If so, I would love if you could volunteer your source. Price for 1 new piston is listed ~$550, but nobody has one. Rant - Why? M-B sold millions of 300D's all over the world. I ASSumed one could buy parts easy like say a VW Bug when I bought my 300D in 2001.

I knew the #1 piston was bad after I pulled the head 3 yrs ago (failed at 330K mi), so I bought a used piston on ebay. I also bought a 1984 300D (120K mi, $400) for its engine, but ended up fixing its cracked frame (a son drives it). After a few old cars, I got back to the 300D. I found 2 more bad pistons, with little chunks missing above the top rings - #5 w/ broken rings & #2 w/ scuffs on the skirt. I hardly trust the 2 remaining "good" pistons now.

I have a local M-B parts/repair shop that specializes in older cars looking for pistons. No luck so far, even used. I can get a used engine for $300, claimed 120K mi, and the guy can run it on the ground to check blow-by. I might go that route since that will give a spare starter, manifolds, turbo, etc. and I will be able to replace my one-yr only CA manifolds.

I spent so much time cleaning my engine that I hate to not re-use it, but no pistons is a road-block. I even have new cylinder sleeves, bearings, gaskets, and timing chain, and I discovered an easy way to remove the sleeves.

Final rant. I have had minimal trouble finding affordable parts for my old Mopar cars. I even found a new set of pistons for my now-rare 273 V-8 ($200). I imagine the 300D parts problem is the same as for any model that doesn't have a tuner/racer following. Indeed, in the Mopar world, I see the same thing for the common slant-six engines and the large C-body cars. Not enough perceived market for companies to jump in and lower prices thru volume - a chicken and egg problem. Still, there must be a back-log of 300D engines awaiting pistons, so seems some company could profit. I'll try running it by Egge.

TnBob · #2 04-23-2012, 03:46 PM

My closest pic a part charges $175 per motor

PowerstrokeJoe · #3 04-23-2012, 06:37 PM

Metric Motors is the only place that could even get them when I was looking for them.They were $300 a piece. You can get the non turbo ones all day long. Sometimes the turbo ones crop up on ebay, but they are still really pricey. I ended up getting an engine from another member here.

winmutt · #4 04-23-2012, 07:03 PM

Did you try calling fastlane/pelican? If not give Rusty a try.

whunter · #5 04-23-2012, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillGrissom

I have my 1985 300D turbo engine (OM617.952) taken apart. I need at least 2 pistons, preferably 4. Has anybody bought any recently? If so, I would love if you could volunteer your source. Price for 1 new piston is listed ~$550, but nobody has one. Rant - Why? M-B sold millions of 300D's all over the world. I ASSumed one could buy parts easy like say a VW Bug when I bought my 300D in 2001.

I knew the #1 piston was bad after I pulled the head 3 yrs ago (failed at 330K mi), so I bought a used piston on ebay. I also bought a 1984 300D (120K mi, $400) for its engine, but ended up fixing its cracked frame (a son drives it). After a few old cars, I got back to the 300D. I found 2 more bad pistons, with little chunks missing above the top rings - #5 w/ broken rings & #2 w/ scuffs on the skirt. I hardly trust the 2 remaining "good" pistons now.

I have a local M-B parts/repair shop that specializes in older cars looking for pistons. No luck so far, even used. I can get a used engine for $300, claimed 120K mi, and the guy can run it on the ground to check blow-by. I might go that route since that will give a spare starter, manifolds, turbo, etc. and I will be able to replace my one-yr only CA manifolds.

I spent so much time cleaning my engine that I hate to not re-use it, but no pistons is a road-block. I even have new cylinder sleeves, bearings, gaskets, and timing chain, and I discovered an easy way to remove the sleeves.

Final rant. I have had minimal trouble finding affordable parts for my old Mopar cars. I even found a new set of pistons for my now-rare 273 V-8 ($200). I imagine the 300D parts problem is the same as for any model that doesn't have a tuner/racer following. Indeed, in the Mopar world, I see the same thing for the common slant-six engines and the large C-body cars. Not enough perceived market for companies to jump in and lower prices thru volume - a chicken and egg problem. Still, there must be a back-log of 300D engines awaiting pistons, so seems some company could profit. I'll try running it by Egge.

Piston, (5 Per engine)
MB# 617 030 10 17

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-parts-reference-library/274085-om617-952-rebuild-parts-list.html

Call Phil.

.

BillGrissom · #6 05-24-2012, 03:34 PM

Update. I ended up buying a used 1984 engine off craigslist for $300. Had PickNPull marks on it. Took a chance since the guy couldn't run it, but did turn it over w/ a wrench. I hooked it up at home and ran it a bit, with coolant flush. Slightly shaky at idle, but smooth at high speed. Will probably idle smooth in the car with mounts and dampers. No blowby at all with the oil cap off and the cam has a green stripe that appears new. Turned by hand, I feel each cylinder for ~10 sec, so seems like great compression. Starts instantly with glow plugs or without once warm. This also gives all accessories except the pwr steering pump and air cleaner, and lets me switch to 84 manifolds. I couldn't even get air filters for my 85 setup. My AC compressor was seized, so this should fix that. I still need to clean it and install new seals to fix the typical oil leaks (front & oil return tubes).

I still have my 1985 engine in pieces. I had a quote of ~$50 ea for used pistons. I also bought a used set off ebay for $100, but turned out to be non-turbo, though listed for 1978-1985. Guy claimed I should have caught "NA" in the ad to mean non-turbo. ebay disagreed and gave a refund. I see new turbo pistons on ebay now for $135 ea, but will wait until the initial rush clears and see if they drop to a more typical price (~$400/set for turbo, Chevy or Ford are $80 for set of 8). I will finish installing the new cylinder liners and store until I get pistons. My biggest problem is a wife with the mind of a teenager "just take to a professional". Currently restoring 3 cars and the Mercedes parts issues are a nightmare compared to my old Chryslers.

layback40 · #7 05-24-2012, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillGrissom

Update. I ended up buying a used 1984 engine off craigslist for $300. Had PickNPull marks on it. Took a chance since the guy couldn't run it, but did turn it over w/ a wrench. I hooked it up at home and ran it a bit, with coolant flush. Slightly shaky at idle, but smooth at high speed. Will probably idle smooth in the car with mounts and dampers. No blowby at all with the oil cap off and the cam has a green stripe that appears new. Turned by hand, I feel each cylinder for ~10 sec, so seems like great compression. Starts instantly with glow plugs or without once warm. This also gives all accessories except the pwr steering pump and air cleaner, and lets me switch to 84 manifolds. I couldn't even get air filters for my 85 setup. My AC compressor was seized, so this should fix that. I still need to clean it and install new seals to fix the typical oil leaks (front & oil return tubes).

I still have my 1985 engine in pieces. I had a quote of ~$50 ea for used pistons. I also bought a used set off ebay for $100, but turned out to be non-turbo, though listed for 1978-1985. Guy claimed I should have caught "NA" in the ad to mean non-turbo. ebay disagreed and gave a refund. I see new turbo pistons on ebay now for $135 ea, but will wait until the initial rush clears and see if they drop to a more typical price (~$400/set for turbo, Chevy or Ford are $80 for set of 8). I will finish installing the new cylinder liners and store until I get pistons. My biggest problem is a wife with the mind of a teenager "just take to a professional". Currently restoring 3 cars and the Mercedes parts issues are a nightmare compared to my old Chryslers.

We have the opposite situation on this side of the pond. Mopar/ Chrysler stuff is as scarce as hens teeth & all priced as though gold plated & diamond studded. MB stuff is at least obtainable at less ridiculous prices. The best MB parts come here via the middle east.
I have sourced Chrysler (jeep) parts from Europe (eastern block).

whunter · #8 05-24-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

We have the opposite situation on this side of the pond. Mopar/ Chrysler stuff is as scarce as hens teeth & all priced as though gold plated & diamond studded. MB stuff is at least obtainable at less ridiculous prices. The best MB parts come here via the middle east.
I have sourced Chrysler (jeep) parts from Europe (eastern block).

A few months ago:
I scrapped a friends perfect 318 with 70000 miles on it, because I had no storage space.

It was on craigslist.org for three months with no interest.

Metal value $35.00 USD...

E-mail what Detroit metal you need..

.

vstech · #9 05-25-2012, 08:15 AM

got any hemi's up there? (68-72 please...) if scrap price is only 35, I'll give ya an even 100.00 bill for it.

hey_allen · #10 05-25-2012, 11:40 PM

Gah...
I've been trying to find a 318 for a friend who's been sitting on a Dart for years with a dead engine.

Always seems to be the way of things though!

The bits you want, are far enough away that shipping makes it painful to even consider, or the local prices are insane.

ROLLGUY · #11 05-26-2012, 11:25 AM

I have plenty of used turbo piston/con rod assembles for $25.00 each + shipping.

BillGrissom · #12 09-30-2012, 02:51 AM

RollGuy,

Sorry. I just noticed your May post. I poked around and found that I must "subscribe" to get e-mail notices of new posts. I am interested in your pistons and would like to buy 4. 1 piston totally failed (#1) and 2 have chunks missing around the ring grooves, so I don't trust the other 2. I already have a good used piston. How can I order and pay you? Am also interested in your Sanden compressor bracket I just ran across, but that's another story.

I came here to update since I got around to removing the other 4 cylinder sleeves and installing the new ones. Removing the liners took <10 minutes. No welder, I used my trick of tapping a thin screwdriver between the liner and block from the bottom to pry a seam. The thin cast iron peels away easy. My goal was to consolidate my garage and not have to store my new liners and risk breaking them. Also, maybe the last hot day to heat the block in the sun. I put a propane grill under the block to help. I chilled the liners in the freezer for hours. When the block was as hot as I could get it (150 F?), I tried the first liner.

I hoped the liner would drop in, though caliper measurements suggested still 3 mil interference. I had sanded the block bores to remove traces of rust. The bores are rough w/ machining grooves so I used 200 grit. I removed cosmoline from the liners w/ diesel fuel, cleaned w/ brake cleaner, and sprayed w/ WD-40 I continued spraying them as I drove them in. Getting them started is a little tricky, but once they find the bore, they align. My son held a thick steel block over each liner, while I beat with a sledge hammer. Don't hit the liner itself or it will likely crack. Short firm swings, maybe a 2 ft stroke that end solidly seemed to work best. Too hard, like a pile-driver swing seems to bulge the liner and lock it in place. Maybe 30 firms hits to get each liner in. I have a 12-ton shop press, but mounting the block in that would be tough. If I did it again, I would use a bigger propane burner and get the block to >300 F, where I calculate the liners would almost drop in. That would be where water drops bounce off the block (Leidenfrost effect).

Re cheap Chrysler parts, tomorrow I will pickup a slant six engine and tranny from a guy for free. Actually, I will pay him $25 for his trouble. So many people upgrade to V-8's that they can't sell a slant and just want it gone. I think slants are great and have one in my 64 convertible.

ROLLGUY · #13 09-30-2012, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillGrissom

RollGuy,

Sorry. I just noticed your May post. I poked around and found that I must "subscribe" to get e-mail notices of new posts. I am interested in your pistons and would like to buy 4. 1 piston totally failed (#1) and 2 have chunks missing around the ring grooves, so I don't trust the other 2. I already have a good used piston. How can I order and pay you? Am also interested in your Sanden compressor bracket I just ran across, but that's another story.

Please use the personal message feature....Rich