I have access to a 85 300SD turbo ~ 195K miles and am tempted to pull the motor for future use. What OM # / displacement is this engine? Are these OK motors or the run away screaming type?

One of my current projects is turning a 91 300SL into a track day car / mule to develop a M104 3.2 straight 6 engine that wil be later installed in my 97 SL320. After this is complete, some sort of silly motor will be installed and a turned up diesel could fit the bill.

Any ideas if this motor will withstand high boost and fuel?

Thanks

om617.???
3.0L
they are made for 15~ psi boost
you can run them faster than other diesels .
a 616 runs 3600rpm @ 70 , where a 617 turns a little slower due to the gearing .. and more torque ..

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current fleet
Ford f350 dully 7.3L 1990 . ats turbo , zf5
Mazda 4x4 b2600 with 617 20-26 mpg
Past fleet
1983 240D w123 232k 25-30 MPG
1984 Ford f250,1979 ford 150 300-6 (sold@ 251K )
81 300D, 79 240D , 2x 76 300D ,74 240D , 2x 89 grand prix , 85 grand fury , and several other fords

Custom machine shop work ..

If the compression readings are high end and you have the storage avaiable and the engine is cheap. Maybe. Personally I do not like to see really good engines go to the crusher.

I suspect the 603 diesel might be a better platform for what you intend otherwise. I know it has more power initially, starts better cold, same or a little better fuel milage. Lighter in weight as well I suspect with the aluminium head.

Yep, the 603 is probably a better bet as ( near as I can tell ) the bell housing is the same as the M104 currently in my 91 300SL making things a better fit. The M104 leans over to the right ~ 5* where the OM617 is upright complicating matters.

The only reason for me to go diesel in the 91 is the instant power increase by turning up boost and fuel. Being it will be a track day car fuel mileage isn't an issue.

I too don't like to see good stuff go away, . .but, can't save everything even though I try.

What was the first year / typical car that used the 3.0 603 ? Were they all turbo?

North american sold probably 1986 and 87 then discontinued for quite a few years. All the north american sold ones where turbo I believe.

Pass on any engines that are the 603 expanded in capacity from 3 to 3.5 litres in the nineties. If you to find one with a good cylinder head they are and will remain in demand for some time yet. Grab the head.

i can't imagine making more power with 617 than stock 300 SL engine...

Getting more power from a diesel consists of turning up the fuel rack limiter screw, turning up the turbo waste gate for more boost and turning up the "high idle" screw for a higher RPM limit.

Adding an intercooler is the next step followed by larger pump barrels and injectors.

Stopped by my local scrap yard today, the 300 is still there. I'm thinking a early Ford Ranger 2WD short bed would make a very good swap. . . . but I have lots going at the moment.

I may be gaining momentum with a 617 swap, first some background then specific questions at the bottom.

In the dark corners of my garage I "found" a Ranger based 86 Ford Bronco 2 with a manual trans whose engine has leaking freeze plugs.

The next part of the mix would be to determine if the somewhat stronger Ford Ranger pickup / Mazda M5R1 5 speed + transfer case would be too long for the short wheelbase of a Bronco. ( The M5R1 is a down sized version of the M5R2 used in full sized pickups. The Bronco 2 and 2.9 V6 pickups got the steel pan Mitsubishi 5 speed for some reason. ) Pulling big power out of the motor isn't a concern as it is silly to "race" something whose sole purpose is winter duty and sometimes pulling a 2,000 lb trailer 20 miles.

The steel pan Mitsu may be a bit small for the job but Mitsu / Dodge mini truck did use this behind a 2.6 gas 4 and a 2.0 diesel 4.

So this comes to specific questions.

Does the OM617 have a plate that bolts to the back of the motor as a factory adapter?

Did the 617 ever come with a manual trans option in the US or are there other flywheels that interchange?

If a manual trans FW exists, is it flat or cupped?

Any idea on flywheel / flex plate diameter?

I've sniffed around for adapters, so far only V8 Ford, Toyota and Jeep are popping up any likely suspects?

How is the parts supply for the 617? Things like gaskets and crankshaft bearings most interest me.

Is the oil pump chain driven and in the front sump? If so how far does it stick down? I can make a pan or go dry sump so not too many worries there.

Are these the motors that eat vac pumps and explode the timing chain?

Thanks, maybe more later.

Why pull the motor? Why not pull the entire front suspension, and bolt something to it? Seems alot easier as the springs are enough to hold the weight of a diesel engine. And while you're at it, why not use the 4 speed transmission attached to it? So in essence, might be easier and cleaner to pull the body off of the suspension and put whatever body you want onto the drivetrain. Lose a 1000 lbs of Mercedes sheet metal and you should have a pretty quick ride.

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from the SD between 78 and 80 the motor would be the OM617.950 from 81-85 it would be the OM 617.951

it's a 3.0L motor either way.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!