om603 Performance
 

I just purchased a 1987 mercedes 300td wagon with an om603. When I got it, the trap oxidizer had already been removed. The car topped out at 65mph when I first got it. It shifted very hard and the oil was like gum. After changing the oil, fuel filter, transmission fluid/filter and removing alda, I can now hit 100mph pretty easliy. I just changed the very dirty air filter to a fresh k & n 9" cone. I noticed no difference and it was a pain, I do not recommend. Anyways, I would like to ask a couple of questions, as I am new to diesels, mercedes, and this forum. How do I know what injectors are interchangeable? I want bigger injectors but I dont know what will fit. I plan on this being a 500hp or so build (eventually). I also need to know how to "turn up" my injection pump. Also, my injectors seem to be leaking. My friend said its injector cups which I would like to change as well. I plan on a hx35 turbo and a better injection pump shortly, but I want to start with these upgrades, since the injectors are leaking anyway. Part numbers or links to the parts would be greatly appreciated. Once again, injectors, injector cups, turning up ip, and if possible a link to the injector return lines. Those leak too. Thanks so much!

For cryin' out loud! Put the original air filter back on
 

Welcome and you will be thrilled in time to know you've found one of the resource gems when it comes to the maintenance and repair of that gorgeous chariot you've just purchased. Now "use the force."

Sounds like you have an idea of what to do with a superbly engineered and well-built automobile. "On the right track this one is."

You're not done with the fluids yet tho. It would behoove you to postpone all those Ricky-Ricer upgrades until the importants are taken care of. Change the coolant, no if's and's or buttz, and make sure you use the "CORRECT COOLANT!" HINT: it ain't green. Then change the brake fluid. Wait... your almost finished! Swap in new power steering and hydraulic, too, if they look even the slightest bit questionable. But, especially if the PO gave you the "huhh" response along with some quizzical look when you asked about their last replacement. Not sure, but the S124 may have a combo power steering/hydraulic fluid reservoir. And don't forget the filter/s.

You won't get any performance increases from higher pressure injectors. You will, however, benefit from adjusting them and/or new nozzles. Process is called "pop testing" and this should be done so the entire set is within spec or better than. If you don't know what spec is check the FSM. If you don't have a copy of the FSM go here:

W124 Factory Service Manual

May take a bit to load. And not the end all be all, but an invaluable resource to have.

Also,

THIS!!!:

EPC-net Online

Excellent for parts ID and interchangeability or just figuring out what the heck it is you need to complete that next job. Ahhhh, perfect example, you can hunt down the part number for those heat shields/crush washers/injector shims that will solve the leak you are experiencing up top. Or, most likely, you may just wanna try replacing the fuel return line that, when aged, starts to leak (weep) and in a progressive way. Yes, those lines that jump from each injector body to the next with a stunted piece (blocked with a nut) on the end.

Lastly, the best advice anyone will give you is to "read young Skywalker."

It's all here. The solution to every issue you will ever have and then some. And it's all just a quick browse or click of the search button away. Oh ya, the people 'round here ain't too shabby either. There is a googol of sage advice to be had.

Now off you go young mb knight, make us all proud.

MBZ123

Nothing wrong with a 603 but you're probably only going to see 300hp before you start breaking stuff, just my $.02

That being said, K&Ns don't filter as well as paaper elements, but if you're ok with dirt contamination then I'm not going to stop you (it's not my car)

You will need larger elements in the pump for more fuel. Usually around $1500, mail it to Dieselmenken or Myna out in finland.

If you want 500hp, find a turbo 606 (years 98-99 in the US)

You're on your own for a better exhaust manifold-I'd buy some 'weld els' and get welding. For a turbo there are a million options-I'd get the big pump first.

603 will do 168hp w.o a cat. 500hp out of a 603 is unlikely. And you will have drivetrain issues long before that that will bleed you dry.

winmutt, is a 168hp without a cat confirmed? I read this on wikipedia but was hesitant to believe it.

Who do you think put it on wikipedia? ;) Yes, I found an obscure reference to euro model turbo 603's not having cats and that was the reported from mercedes.

Haha very nice.

Mines days are numbered. I'm going to see if my uncle will weld a stainless pipe across instead.
Give the old girl some air.

Heres my stocker with egr and afm removed. Stock exhaust and Mann filter. 345k miles. She does alright.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdRCJjRCKqA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Video is private.

O crap. Fixed it

when u install bigger turbo u should make a custom intercooler set up and inake pipe to safely be able to use all that air especially when u make big pump mods.

There is no need to add an IC without more fuel.

After you mentioned 500 hp....you became stupid in my awareness ....yes anything is possible..but go see the guys at the drag strip shop!

add propane without messing with injector pump,thats what I'm doing