I was replacing the front main seal and accidentally squashed (or mushroomed) the Two little "pistons" I'll call them that keeps the harmonic balancer attached to the crank.
What are they called and can I get them at any auto parts store? Or dealer only?
Or can I simply file them and tap them back into place and carefully try to re-align the balancer?

Thanks.

These are commonly called dowel pins. They should be fitted just the once. Buy them at the dealer but check the length of them before fitting. I think you need to cut them down before fitting - although a very reputable source here says to fit and then cut. I reckon it comes down to how steady your hand is with a cutting machine...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/295471-warning-om617-dowel-pins-now-supplied-incorrect-length.html

The crankshaft balancer falling off the of the front of OM617s is a serious problem - usually you end up with damage to the end of the crank which often result in the engines being junked.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/302332-research-why-so-many-om61x-balancer-failures.html

I think a key part of re-installation is use of a flywheel clamp to stop the crank from turning during this process. If you come up with some good ideas please post them here

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/284511-has-anyone-ever-made-good-diy-tool-lock-om617-flywheel.html

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

They are Metric and unless this is a Eurpean thing there is a good chance Mercedes is the only one who uses the Dowel Pins for that purpose.

All the Cars I have had a part and other Vehicles have used some sort of Woodruff Keys for the same purpose.

You should be able to measure the un-mushroomed part of the Pin and simply get more from the Mercedes Dealer.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

They are critical and must fit perfectly to keep the balancer in place.

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Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership