300d

[Louiehenry]

Hey guys.
I uh
My buddy and I just got an 82 300D sedan. I looked it over and all it needs is a new rod. Any idea what company is the best to buy one from? In addition, I was wondering if anyone here was a member of the forums there? And if so, are they a helpful as you guys are?

[ja17]

Hello Louie,

A new rod?  Do you mean connecting rod in the engine? Is it a turbo or non-turbo?

[Louiehenry]

It's a connecting rod, it is a turbocharged diesel

[ja17]

When a 300 turbo diesel blows a rod a lot of other damage is done. Compression in these engines is around 20 to l .   Most likely the crankshaft is ruined also.   Parts and machine work is very expensive. Re-building one is a very precise job. A good used junk yard engine for around $150.00 is your best bet. Look up Pick-n-Pull (national chain) type in the year and model. You may find that they have one near by. The chassis model is W123. You may also find a rusty, but with a good engine on Ebay.  Mercedes made lots of these cars. An engine is a fast and easy swap.

[Louiehenry]

Well, the rod isn't blown, it's just pinging or knocking my friend said. I haven't heard the car run, but I do suspect that oil mixing with Coolant may be a factor. If not, I want to replace the rod and crankshaft too.
Thank you dearly for your help, have a very merry Christmas!

[ja17]

Hello Louie,

A rod and crankshaft from Mercedes will set you back at least $2,000.00.  Then you have bearings and seals to buy, not to mention the failing engine bearing, most likely circulated metal shavings all over damaging other expensive  parts like the oil pump. 

Save yourself the money and aggravation and buy a good used engine for less than $300.00. You'll have it back on the road fast and easy.

Thanks, 
Hope your Holidays are great also!

[Louiehenry]

Wow
Thank you for the advice, I knew it would be costly but I never expected that!
Well, if anyone's looking for 300d parts....

[Cees Klumper]

Why did you get the car in the first place?

[Louiehenry]

My buddy did, I'm just helpin him fix it up
Plus the guy too him it was in a lot better condition than it is

[Cees Klumper]

"My buddy and I just got an 82 300D sedan. I looked it over and all it needs is a new rod."

That's what you wrote in your opening post.

Then it turns out you did not get the car but your buddy did. It also turned out you did not look the car over, because as you said in a later post, your friend said it was pinging or knocking, you yourself did not hear the car run.

From your posts it does not make sense to get the car, be ready and willing to take the engine apart to put in a new rod and crankshaft, but not wanting to do something much easier, and less expensive, putting in a replacement engine as Joe advised. Now you and/or your buddy want to part the car out. I'm sure you'll come with a response, but so far it doesn't make sense and you're not accurate in your posts.

[Louiehenry]

He came to me, asked me if I could help him out, I spotted him some cash, and he and a mutual friend went to pick it up
He took it to his house, I looked over to a point. I could see where the rod needed to be replaced, but I didn't even think to look at the shaft. The battery was dead, and he replaced it. He started it, and he told me what he heard. We have found an engine, it is in good working order. After looking over the prices for some of these parts, we figured we could make some extra cash parting out the original engine.
Please don't hesitate to tell me if you have any questions, please tell me, it not only helps me to know what to look out for, but perhaps other members could benefit!

[ja17]

Hello Louie,

Looks like the car is a worthwhile project. Most likely it is solid being from the South. I have rebuilt a lot of these engines and I know what you are in for. If you go ahead with the project, spend a little time looking for a good used engine. You will save yourselves big on time and money. Don't get discouraged, just try to make a good decision on which route to take. I started learning by buying broken MBs and fixing them up way back then.

I am happy to support you with good advice and encouragement. It is good to see today's youth get interested in a meaningful hobby. There is so many  less worthwhile things you could get into these days! A lot of us almost forget what it was like to be 17 yrs old. When you are accurate on your posts, we can give you the best advice possible.

Good Luck,
Joe Alexander (ja17)
Blacklick, Ohio