I read an article on this web that suggested we stay away from 6-cylinder diesels,(head and rod problems). I haven't heard of this wide spread problem from owners that I have talked to. I'm looking at a 1986 300SDL Turbo with 168K. Runs fine. Compression and leakage are good. Am I misunderstanding what I read? Should I be concerned? Please straighten me out.

Thank you,
Mike

The only problem with this engine is when someone drives w/o coolant in the engine. The 1986/87 300SDL is a good car, I've seen them with over 400K. miles. Any car w/aluminum cylinder head(s) don't like to be overheated!
This engine didn't have any problems w/rods.
Also the timing chain should be checked for stretch every 150K.

My two cents, I have a 1987 300SDL with 200k+ miles. YES chain at 150k, previous owner did the w/o coolant number and trashed head. New head and now a fantastic engine, 30+ mpg and will give my 500SEC a good run at highway speeds. You will not regret the purchase.

What you are referring to is the problem with bent connecting rods. Pieces of carbon sometimes collect on the inlet to the intake manifold. Then break off and end up getting smashed between the piston and cylinder head. Therefore bending the connecting rod very slightly. Symptoms of this are loud pinging while the engine is running and/or excessive smoke. I have seen many of these engiens run with this problem for 200K plus miles. This problem will not show up on a compression test. The other problem I have seen is the oil pump drives breaking. Although isolated I have had two customers with this problem. It ultimately cost them an engine.

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