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Alaskagwagen
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Engine options
Ok, on the risk of offending Warren and others who are not so keen on the 6 cylinder diesel (OM603) - has anyone put one of these into a 460? I am trying to figure out if it is possible to put the turbo version in to a truck (gas or other). I would use a OM617A but up here I think the OM603A is actually more available.
Also, does anyone have a link to a source for deciphering the numbers after the OM603? It seems the engine was rare in the US (only in 1986-87 300SDs) and then maybe int he 90-91 300D sedans. There appears to be an early version (weak head) and a later version. The ones I am eyeballing are those used in the Haaglund SUSVs used by the Army up here in Alaska. They have a different designator than those two above. Hmm. For one thing the SUSVs did not have the power steering pump (it is blanked off ont he engine block) because they are tracked vehicles. Does anyone have a picture of a OM603A (turbo) installed in a Gwagen - Allan?
Thanks for humoring me,
Adam
PS - its nice to be here in the new digs! |
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Iver460
Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Norway
Vehicle(s): '82 300 GD STT Cab (two other Gs in family)
Posts: 291
| RE: Engine options
There are a few shots taken by my friend Anders on this page: http://www.offroad.no/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=50813&SearchTerms=OM...
He runs an OM603A in his previous 280 GE and is very happy with it. I've driven it on occasion and it drives very well, not fast but strong like a bull when the turbo spins up, not to mention the fantastic sound that engine makes with a 2,5" exhaust.
There are a few twekas that should be done before dropping it in the G, a larger waterpump with a smaller pullley is needed to keep things cool, and so is the installation of an expantion tank for coolant, to keep the radiator full at all times. Engine supports and brackets are available from your dealer, the same as in your W463 300 GD. |
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JMKOZ
Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Melbourne Australia
Vehicle(s): 2018 G300 cdi Professional Wagon
Posts: 155
| RE: Engine options
We have a a mechanic here in Melbourne who did this coversion to his 617 engined 300GD and loved the change. The only issues for the conversion was in getting the right engine mounts and bell-housing (auto trans). This owner also owns a farm and says that it has made a significant difference in pulling a loaded trailer as well as long steep climbs. Unfortunately he is not a computer user so I cannot get him to contribute further to the discussion. I drove in the vehicle and it is certainly a lot smoother and seems to pull exceptionally well in comparison to my own 617 powered vehicle.
FWIW John |
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fernweh
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
| RE: Engine options
Iver460 - 4/26/2006 2:51 AM
There are a few shots taken by my friend Anders on this page: http://www.offroad.no/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=50813&SearchTerms=OM...
He runs an OM603A in his previous 280 GE and is very happy with it. I've driven it on occasion and it drives very well, not fast but strong like a bull when the turbo spins up, not to mention the fantastic sound that engine makes with a 2,5" exhaust.
There are a few twekas that should be done before dropping it in the G, a larger waterpump with a smaller pullley is needed to keep things cool, and so is the installation of an expantion tank for coolant, to keep the radiator full at all times. Engine supports and brackets are available from your dealer, the same as in your W463 300 GD.
Great pictures from the 603 install!
But I have one question: 617 pustediesel
Does this means a normal aspirated 617 engine? 
Thanks,
Karl |
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dai
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oregon USA
Vehicle(s): 300GD 300TD BMW R100RS Landini 80F
Posts: 2110
| Re: Engine options
Doesn't the OM603A have an alloy head? If this is the motor used in the '86, '87 sedans/wagons in the US beware of the trap oxidizer related to the high mount turbo. I think the recall extended to those years. As you said weak heads are an issue in the early ones. I think this motor is in other chassis, not just the S class. If they are overheated the head is a goner. I don't think the fuel system is all mechanical, there are some electronic controls involved.
The OM 617A is all cast iron and will withstand severe heat cycles and live. I can get a hold of either motor and have chosen the 617A for my truck. I think this is a better motor for the diesel power G for my purposes. All mechanical and I can service and repair it myself. Not much different than the stock motor really but as reliable for the very long term. My opinion.
-Dai |
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AlanMcR
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, CA, Los Altos
Vehicle(s): G300DT E300DT 230SL
Posts: 3500
| 3.5L OM603
Most if not all of the originally shipped 3.5L OM603's had design problems that caused early mortality. Cracked heads, oval cylinder bores and bent rods were the end result. MB replaced some of these engines during and after warranty. There are some countervailing opinions out there, but the primary opinion is that the 3.5L's have either failed or will fail (as opposed to wear out).
There is apparently a set of replacement parts that cure the original problems is installed. I recall that there is a casting mark to look for in the head (22?). Checking the rods & cylinder bore is obviously much harder.
The engine in my truck is the OM606.694. These have been quite reliable so far. A lot of electronics though. The 603 has an electronic idle control. The 617 is electronics free.
...Alan |
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Frode
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Engine options
fernweh - 4/26/2006 11:20 AM
But I have one question: 617 pustediesel
Does this means a normal aspirated 617 engine?
Thanks,
Karl
Yes, directly translated it would be something like 617 breathingdiesel.
Frode |
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Iver460
Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Norway
Vehicle(s): '82 300 GD STT Cab (two other Gs in family)
Posts: 291
| RE: 3.5L OM603
The much more common OM603A D30 doesn't suffer from the same problems, many of the 3,5-liters problems are due to its increased bore and stroke. The father of a friend had a rod come loose in his G350 after 50.000 kms. I have several friends with W124 E300TDT with the OM603A, one covered 600.000 kms before it gave in, being totaly neglected the last 100k, another with 380.000 and still running strong.
Out of the diesel 460s I've driven, that includes both aftermarket-turboed OM617s and OM617As, the OM603A-converted is by far the closest I've come to the feeling of a OM606A G300TD. I dare bet even the most hard core 617A-enthusiasts could be convinced after a testdrive in a well sorted out 603A-conversion! |
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Inkblotz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 90 300GD "Thundering Turtle II", w/ 603A turbo
Posts: 3187
| Re: Engine options
For your search:
For the 1987 model year Mercedes offered the 300td wagon It had the 6 cylinder engine. I had one and enjoyed the drive but it leaked oil like crazy. I bought it used from a dealership. It was their Tech service vechicle. which had all the records of every service done on time. The head had been pulled twice and resurfaced due to warping. After all that it still leaked oil like crazy.
I will stay with my 617A.
Mark |
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Alaskagwagen
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: OM 606 D 30LA
Just for clarification - the OM 603 comes in many flavors - the 350 is the bored out version of the 300 which had the problems
From Herald's site:
For the G-wagen
OM 603 D 30 603.931 1988-1991 463 300GD, G300D, I-6
OM 603 D 35 A 603.972 1991-1996 463 350GDT, G350DT, I-6
For the sedans:
603.960 and 603.961 for years 1986-87. Will fit into sedan body chassis number 126.125
603.970 for years 1990-1991. Will fit into sedan body chassis number 126.134
The SUSV (Hagglunds BV206) uses the OM 603.950.2 with 136 HP.
All of these are the 6 cylinder with 2996 ml displacement.
Now the million question is what are the differences impacting which will fit in a 460 or 463?
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sjtymko
G-Class Photo Host
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Canada, AB, Sherwood Park (Edmonton)
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500, 2009 B200
Posts: 511
| RE: Engine options
From what I have figured out, any of these will fit into your G just fine. Despite the nay-sayers, I have heard these engines are fine if cared for. Beware of the #14 head; the higher the casting number the better (20s being best). A few months ago, I went into my mechanics garage and there were a few of those vehicles there with the engines pulled. He said he couldn't believe how good the engines were in them as they rarely were revved high and generally didn't have to work too hard because of gears (what he said). One should be an easy swap into your 463. I would guess new exhaust, oil pan, and possibly rad. Look at the 350GD parts. Steve |
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