After determining that the engine is my $400 300D is siezed, it looks like the pull your own engine at the yard is best option for me.

I've never been to one of these yards before - anyone else? How do I go about depressurizing the A/C for engine removal - or should I assume that they do that? Do I pull the Engine/Trans then seperate them and leave the trans sittin' there?

I haven't been down to look at the engine yet, but what would y'all recommend as the best inspection procedure? I'm assuming I won't get to start the engine, so any compression testing is out? I figure turn it, check the timing (the easy way), and inspect the thing by eye. General cleanliness, cam intact, timing OK, etc.

I figure I'm also gonna want to replace some stuff before the engine goes back into the car. Rear main seal, upgrade primer pump, install block heater, adjust valve, new belts for my old alternator, A/C and PS, new hoses. Any other thoughts?

Also - the MB Shop Manual suggests flushing the oil cooler if it looks like the bearings were damaged by the bad engine - which I believe they were. How do you flush the oil cooler?

Never pulled an engine before - this should be fun.

Eric
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1971 220D
1981 300D