I have a 1980 300SD with either a blown head gasket or worse, and a good transmission. I also have a 1982 300SD with a good engine, but no transmission (removed). I like the W116 more than the W126. Would you...

1. Repair the W116 engine? or...
2. Swap, replacing the W116 engine with the W126 engine?

Thanks.

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Ray

1980 300SD (Anthrcite Gray) 253,108 miles
1982 300SD (Silver Blue) 242,398 miles
1982 300SD (Black) 263,185 miles

I'm partial to the W126 body so I say swap the transmission.

The early M617 cylinder heads are often cracked due to overheating. I'm not saying yours is but it is something to take into consideration.

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

I'd fix the 126 too. Better rustproofing (I see you're in AZ so that is not such an issue as it is here) better seats and much better aerodynamics....also due to the age better availability of second hand parts.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Tom, the OP is in Hawaii.

The W116 is 110 HP
The W126 is 123 HP

You like the W116 body better, fix it`s engine or do the swap if the problem is too big.

Keep the W116 engine and repair it at your leisure for a back up.


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Remove both engines and put the good one in an S-10, fix the other and keep for a spare. Get a 4 speed from a 240D and skip the slushbox. Scrap the Mercedes bodies. Oh wait, that was MY dream.......

Seriously, I'd put the good engine in the car you like the best with the trans you have and go drivin'.

Dan

i like the W116 better too, so this is a no-brainer, but that question about availability is serious. finding parts for the W126 would be much easier.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

Both engines are transferable, but the transmissions are not. Your 126 probably has a 722.3 with electronic speedo and Bowden cable, and the 116 probably has a 722.1 with cable speedo and control Rod. If you didn't care about your speedo working, the control rod and hardware can be mounted to the 126 engine. Also, I think the flex discs are a different size, so the yokes will need to be changed. I am not sure they are interchangeable either. It looks like the 126 engine in the 116 chassis is your only option from what I can see......Rich

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All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html

All silliness aside I agree with you.

today had my w140 since 2009,and my w126 since 2006. but it is a smaller one similar in size to the small Toyota.

Repair the W116 engine is good option i did for my.

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