OM 603 Head Swap Done! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

VA-Merc · #1 05-05-2013, 08:23 AM

Well guys, you may remember a few months ago I was asking for advice for the cracked head on my 87 300d. I found a good buy on a used #14 head on ebay, had it pressure tested with no cracks. I installed that along with a new water pump, resealed the injection pump, put in new motor mounts, installed a set of freshly rebuilt and pop-tested injectors, new glow plugs, new fuel filters of course, and put in a new ELR solenoid (to fix the loping idle I used to have).

It took me about 20 different tries at cranking it last night to get all of the air out of the system, but once I did it fired right up and sounded great! The only issue I noticed is a slow diesel leak and bubbling next to the base of injector #3, and injector #4 also shows a slight diesel leak at the base but no bubbling. I'll have to try torquing them down a tiny bit more...and if that doesn't fix it I guess I'll have to assume the prechamber collar is a bit loose (the pre-chambers were not touched at the machine shop...I only had them pressure test the head). Still...I am excited to hear it run again after a few months of it sitting in my driveway!

VA-Merc · #2 05-06-2013, 08:36 AM

I've never posted any pictures of my rides so I thought I would throw a couple out there. The 300d is going to be my wife's ride again. Mine is the 300sd. Both of them need paint work lol...but they are rust-free southern cars at least. The 300d interior is in very good shape. I also need to find a way to clean up the aluminum pieces on top of the engine better.

I have replaced all of the wood pieces in the 300sd, but am still on a hunt for palomino seats...they are in worse shape than they look in the pictures.

Anyhow...figured I would share...thanks for all of the help you guys have offered on this forum!

jbrianfoto · #3 06-24-2013, 09:15 AM

Looks like you've done a good job. Nothing feels as good as hearing an engine you've toarn apart run again. I am gathering the parts to do the same job on my 87 300Tdt, have lined up a good #22 head that is complete with cam, but no injectors. Got any tips for me?

BTW - I posted a salvage yard find of a 94 190E that had fantastic interrior -

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/340104-fredericksburg-virginia-salvage-yard-alert-1994-190e.html

I don't know exactly where in Virginia you are, but maybe this car has some interrior for you to use.

Jeremy5848 · #4 06-24-2013, 09:34 AM

The injector leaks may seal up on their own. I had a couple when I did a head swap; they went away as compression pushed carbon into the gaps.

Jeremy

jusme · #5 06-24-2013, 02:52 PM

Awesome job VA!! Wanna do another OM603 Head gasket?? haha. I'm in Bedford VA. If you get bored and want some side money, just let me know. But, great work!

VA-Merc · #6 06-24-2013, 09:35 PM

Haha...I was surprised to see this thread resurrected, but realized I never posted an update. The injectors have in fact sealed up after a couple of trips to the beach and back. Jbrian thanks for the tip on the interior, but the 300sd is the one that could really use the interior parts...but alas money and the need to save it up is the issue right now. Also, I am not far from Bedford...I actually work right in Lynchburg which is halfway there. What's the status on your car right now? I.E...is it still driveable or torn apart? Send me a PM if you want to chat about it more.