seized engine - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbhack · #1 04-24-2003, 02:08 AM

i just purchased a 81 300d 123 body, non turbo with a seized
engine. body and interior is in good condition. anyone ever drop a
chevy or ford small block into one of these? if so any pointers?
what kind of eng/trans combo?

P.E.Haiges · #2 04-24-2003, 02:45 AM

Mbhack,

You might try V6 from a rear wheel drive but you are in for an awful lot of work with no quarantee of success for this transgression. Why not just look for a used MB engine, a short block or rebuild what you have?

It seems like there was a report in these BB by someone that did it a long time ago. Very professional job as I remember but a ton of work. You might try a search.

If you want a car with a small block Ford or Chevy, why not buy a ....DUH.... Ford or Chevy. LOL

P E H

#3 04-24-2003, 04:12 AM

I remember someone from the Mercedes newsgroup (alt.auto.mercedes) installed a GM 4.3 liter V6 engine and transmission from a Chevy Astrovan into his 123 300D.. He had to fabricate motor mounts and do something with the throttle linkage but it worked out. He even had a webpage with photos of his progress.. search for it on groups.google.com.

Why not just find another used 300D Turbo engine and throw it in?

#4 04-24-2003, 07:55 AM

I think turbodiesel is talking about the swap done by Richard Wooldridge (I hope I didn't butcher his name too much.) Richard posted pictures from all phases of the project.

From the pictures and descriptions it was obvious that Richard was a very accomplished fabricator and mechanic with a well equipped shop. He has an engineers mind, great welding skills and time on his hands.

If you don't have all these ingredients and there is no rod sticking out the side of the block on your current engine, I really think you would be better served simply boring your existing engine, new pistons, bearings a valve job including new guides and be happy.

If your engine does have a rod sticking out (not likely) I have a siezed '81 300D engine that does not, would rebuild well and it would be for sale.

Good luck,

mplafleur · #5 04-24-2003, 09:33 AM

Larry,

I have a rod sticking out of the side of the block on my SDL. So what do I do now? Do I have to go with a Chevy?

Rick Miley · #6 04-24-2003, 10:28 AM

Richard created more than one thread about his engine swap. Here's one of them: Engine Swap

You can search on his username for the others. Or go to his web site - the link to it is in the thread above.

PaulG · #7 04-24-2003, 11:33 AM

mplafleur wrote:

Larry,

I have a rod sticking out of the side of the block on my SDL. So what do I do now? Do I have to go with a Chevy?

-------reply-------------

Didn't realise that's all it was...............

Bolt a plate over the hole and get on with the rebuild. I've done this twice in the past. Just change the parts that need changing.

It's pretty well garenteed that it will be less work than an engine swap.

mbhack · #8 04-25-2003, 04:18 AM

didnt ask for coments.
thanks guys that posted useful replys.
i could not open that link of the v6 conversion.

mplafleur · #9 04-25-2003, 09:57 AM

I was thinking of having someone weld a plate over the hole. Thanks for confirming this is a OK procedure.

The harder part is finding replacement rods for the SDL engine at a reasonable price.