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sluggoG
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| engine swap options? help!!
Hi All,
My "mint restored" G has been overhaeating as of late. I took it to my local indie MB mechanic who thinks i have blown a head gasket, or perhaps worse, a crack in the block.
If it is the HG, i suppose not a big deal to get repaired. If it is the engine, is there any easy swap?
will a 2.3 from a MB car fit right in? how about a diesel swap?
my problem is finding someone, and somewhere with the know how.
it is a 1981 230 2.3 4 cylinder with the 4 speed.
any help is greatly appreciated.
I am starting to get disheartened with the truck! |
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G350DT
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: engine swap options? help!!
Sluggo
I am right up the road from you, my brother graduated from the USNA so I know your town well.
If it is the block it may be a weldable fix, if so I can do that for you
I would be suprised if it was that though |
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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 swap options? help!!
You have a great truck with motor issues. A bad moment in time but something that can be solved. The motor you have is reliable but not too powerfull. Like a Diesel. Unlikely a cracked block or head unless it was very overheated. I hope it is a head gasket and a simple fix. If it is not I'm sure you can get a lot of opinions here about what motor to swap in there. Remain calm, we will help you.
-Dai |
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gwagen460swb
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Vehicle(s): 280GE SWB, Toyota Highlander, BMW530i, RR HSE
Posts: 513
| Re: engine swap options? help!!
Help me out me with this thought: If it were a cracked block or blown gasket, would there not be any signs of leaking or seapage? I am wondering if it might be this 90+ heat that has been gripping much of the US. No seriously, this has by brain exercising for a reason too because overheating is a huge concern. |
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w.james
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2006
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle(s): 84 280 GE 617A 5sp getrag
Posts: 239
| Re: engine swap options? help!!
when it's cold take the raditor cap off, start the engine, and look for bubbles, usually they leak into the water jacket
Good Luck
w |
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Inkblotz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 90 300GD "Thundering Turtle II", w/ 603A turbo
Posts: 3186
| Re: engine swap options? help!!
White smoke out of the tailpipe is a good indicater of a blown head gasket as well. Not very had to fix, just takes a little time. It is a DIY project if you are so inclined.
Mark |
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roughneck
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: UK, Germany & USA
Vehicle(s): 270 cdi.300 GD 300 GE.lwb 300 GE.swb. Disco 2
Posts: 4398
| Re: engine swap options? help!!
IMO. It could be just a blocked radiator or malfunctioning thermo stat, I would take it to a pro for the prognosis, ask him to (a) pressure test your cooling system, and (b) test for co2 in your coolant. if you have a quick or large pressure drop then you have a leak. if you have co2 in your coolant then you know it is leaking from cylinder to cooling jacket. if you have neither of these things then take out rad and have it recored and reconditioned change thermo stat at same time any way, if you have a leak, change head gasket and or repair block have cyl head skimed because if it has over heated it will be bowed change therm and rad as mentioned earlier.
Keep the 230 engine I think it's one of the best beside the 280 and petrol is so cheap out there it's practicaly given away, you would be disapointed with diesel performance after a petrol unless you dropped in a 400cdi or some thing exotic.
Any way best of luck, lets hope you have it done before I visit Rising Sun MD then I can visit you and our other friend up in Delaware. |
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