1997 Euro G series
 

My son has an opportunity to purchase a Euro 2 door short wheel base G wagon with the 603.95, (3.5) turbo diesel, 2 year old rebuilt automatic transmission. I have yet to see it but was told it has minor surface rust on 2 spots rear fender and around the windshield. The price has not yet been reveled. Comes with the webasto heater and is said to be in great condition according to the 3rd owner.

I have been trying to talk him out of it just since the 4x4 running gear is not readily available and I suspect parts will all have to be imported when the time comes. I am wondering what your thoughts are?

The 3.5 liter engine has connecting rod issues. If the rod gets bent, it pushes on the cylinder wall and ovals it out, causing oil consumption first and compression lost once it gets bad enough. Eventually the cylinder will lose enough compression to not fire when cold, and then it won't fire when hot. A totally new motor is needed.

There is a tag to look for which indicates that the engine was replaced under warranty by MB with a new engine with updated stronger rods. That's a great thing to see.

I'll add that some think if the rods haven't bent after 150k miles, there is a chance they won't bend ever. I'd be careful about that, but it might be true. If a car was bought by someone who didn't floor it, the motor might not have seen the stress it would take to bend the weak rods. Then, one time during a high boost run the rod can't handle it and bends a little. Then the process of ovalling will begin at 150k miles.

I was under the impression by 94 that all the Euro built 3.5 engines had all the upgraded parts already installed from new but now can't seem to find the links. I suppose more research is needed.

Ok I found my links but I'm not certain it's all factual as the majority of sale for the G wagons outside of the USA were for military and industrial users who most likely never reported problems. In short only the US vechiles with the 603.9 engines specifically, were equipped with the emissions devices which concentrated heat onto the motor mount. If not maintained a failed motor mount would cause excessive vibrations which caused some screws inside the engine to shake loose ending up blocking the oil passage causing the oval cylinder condition. Hydro locking was also an issue with the earlier heads due to failed head gaskets again causing bent rods. Both and im certain others also affected roughly 50% of these engines as reported in the US. When I get sucked in to assist viewing this vechile I now have a better idea what to look for but my major concern are the 4x4 parts cost and availability.

Rust is the enemy, not the mechanical bits (other than the discussed weakness of the OM603 engine). G-wagens go for big money down here, especially diesel versions.

The motor mount issue and the vibration is a totally different issue from the bent connecting rod and cylinder ovaling. Both will destroy the motor but they're totally different things.

I am of the full belief the engine is a 50/50 gamble no matter which country it was built for. Correct me if I'm wrong a 606 would bolt right in and these are starting to appear in the wreckers now every couple of months.

The rust is supposedly a minimum which would make it a great candidate for a body kit and paint job similar to some awesome ones found in pictures from the US.

Boy it almost sounds like I want him to get it now but would make for a fun project I think.

Hello, I can comment on both your topics.

I have a 1991 350SDL and yep, it bent its rods. I'm now running a 3.0 liter 603 which I have no complaints about.

I also have an 1982 diesel Gwagen with an OM617NA

The 350GD is a fairly rare truck. Most diesel G's of the time had either the 3.0 liter 603(NA) or the 2.5 liter engine.

Don't be scared about parts availability as a lot of the engine parts cross over with the sedan engine and and G specific parts are not hard to obtain either. There are a number of suppliers but here is my main source.
Eurotruck Importers, Your source for Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicles and spare parts!

RUST is going to be your #1 enemy, here's mine :o
https://clubgwagen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=5007


Sorry to say that a 606 transplant isn't a bolt in job. There is a lot of extra work that goes into getting that engine and it's associated plumping to fit. Here is a recent thread with someone putting one into a W460 which "Theoretically" is easier to do then a W463

https://clubgwagen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=6156

A 606 with 606 IP is a lot of work. A 606 with 603 IP is considerably less work.

Sixto
83 300SD

Thank you so much Falcrum525 nice to realize other parts can be sourced at fairly reasonable prices. Sixto that was my thoughts I recall reading on this forum someone had tried exactly that but installed the 603 pump on his 606 and lost his cruse control. Having done a few Chevy swaps I know how fast money can be consumed if not well researched.

Well tentatively seems like I've been told Friday will be the day I get to view this heavy machine. I also was told something about the lockers not operating quite as they should. If I understood correctly fronts lock or rears lock but all four don't seem to lock. More reading I suppose.

The viewing has been confirmed for Friday and some facts are coming out the mileage is 400,000 km and its a 1994 and he will bring the records from day 1 so I'm told. Kinda looking forward to seeing it and am now at ease with the mechanical parts as I've done a ton of reading and understanding regarding parts availability and pricing.

Something to consider about the windshield rust. If the truck uses a rubber gasket making a leak free repair is more difficult than a glued in WS as you must maintain contours and a lip for the gasket to lock on to.

All rust will be 2 to 3 X visible size once you poke around and possibly 4 to 5 X once you get to good metal. When repairing rust by welding in metal, the back must be painted / rust proofed otherwise it will come through again.

The miles are pretty high. Look for axle rebuild and bearing repair receipts.

The viewing had been rescheduled to Monday. The sunroof leaks and the axles were last serviced 18 months ago when he parked it. I'll know more Monday!