ENGINE TYPE

[georgeb]

I DO HAVE A 250 SL WITH NO ENGINE . WILL ANYBODY KNOW IF A 130981 TYPE ENGINE WILL FIT A PAGODA AND WITH WHAT MODIFICATIONS
I DID SEARCH ON HE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT 130981 IS 300 SEL ENGINE. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 130980 ENGINE ?

GEORGE

[66andBlue]

Hello George,
welcome to the group.  Information of this type can be found in the Technical Manual.
Start here: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Engine/Start
and let us know if you need further information.

[ja17]

Hello George,

The earlier 300SELs had an aluminum alloy block M189 engine but as you see the  latest version engine in a 300SEL was a cast iron block M130 engine as in the W113 SLs. It is virtually the same and will fit fine. If it really came out of a 300SEL, you will have to remove the air compressor (for the air suspension) used in these models. In addition the engine side supports will need to be changed to the SL version. There will  also be no mechanical tachometer drive attachment. You can add this latter. There may also be some minor bolt on plumbing and accessory items you will need to address.

[georgeb]

EVERY SITE I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET SAID THAT THE 300 SEL HAD A 130981 BUT THIS BLOCK SAYS 280 SEL/SL AND HAS  130981 ON IT .
WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON

[ja17]

HelloGeorge,

The 280 SEL/SL is the head designation and is cast on the head as in the photo.  Refer to the block number below, since the engines on all the SL, SEs, and SELs shared the same heads.  There are different versions (early and late) but these were used on all models depending on the year. The stamped number on the block deisignates the actual "engine number" which will indicate the model application for that particular engine. The engine number will tell you what model the engiine came out of.

I would be interested in getting the ten digit part number cast into your head for my "cylinder head chart" for comparison, since this is most likey an unusual variation.

The cast iron 300SEL engine is quite unusual and you may have trouble getting correct information on it. It was used in very few of the latest 300SEL sedans. It is basically a M130  (280 series) cast iron engine used to replace the extremely expensive aluminum alloy block engine used previously in these sedans.

[georgeb]

i dont have the engine. i intend to buy it if it will fit my pagoda .
Do these numbers tell you anything

130981-12000338.


i am sorry for all these questions I have just bought the car and dont know much about it

[stickandrudderman]

Put a V8 in it!

[ja17]

Hello George,

Yes it will fit. It is basically the same engine as in a 280SL (W113) .  There will be some bolt on  linkage and accessory ittems which will need to be changed. The aluminum engine supports will need to be changed before it is installed in the car. You could have a flywheel issue to deal with? Are both cars automatics?

The "130-981" indicates that it is the 300SEL sedan version of the M130 seies. "000338" indicates it was basically #338 300SEL M130 engine off the production line.

A closer match would be a 250SE  (M129) or a (M130) 280SE engine.

If the price is right you cannot go wrong. The injection pump, cylinder head, camshaft are alll valuable parts in good working condition.  However a "good used engine" has limited value unless it is tested and known to be good or a complete history is given with the purchase.