I give MB Engnrs an "F" on 603 Serviceability.

[P.E.Haiges]

I give MB engineers an "F" on the serviceability of the 603 engine.

I couldn't get my '87 300SDL to start. I found 4 of the 6 GP to be open circuit. So with that many GP to replace, I decided to remove the intake manifold. What a PITA.

It would have so much easier to remove if the bosses that secure the injection lines were located so they were not directly above the intake manifold allen head screws. This could have been easily done by putting the bosses on the next intake pipe to the rear. If I can figure this out in about 10 minutes, why couldn't the MB engineers figure it out. I'm really disappointed because I use to think that MB were easily servicable.

I'm still wondering what made so many GP die at the same time. Most of the GP had a king's crown on them. Are those Monarch brand GP?

P E H

[Rich300TDMBZ]

You will noticed that it is not difficult for the Mercedes mechanics to work on the 603 engine, because they have the special tools to remove the various parts. Visit a friendly Mecedes shop and you will notice that besides the Snap-on tools, they also have many specialized tools. For example, it is a pain to remove some of the screws using the normal hex L wrenches. I got a set of ball head long handled metric sockets and the job is much easier. I have spent a lot of money buying certain tools for my MB - just the normal tools won't do for many jobs.

[sixto]

Yes, ball head hex keys make quick work of MB's lack of thinking.

Sixto

[lietuviai]

I actually thought the process of removing the intake manifold to get to the glow plugs was not all that hard. It does seem rediculous to have to remove a major part of an engine to get to a service part though. Without removing the manifold, it would have been a nearly impossible job. I'll never buy another 603 powered MB ever again though.