280SE vs 280SL engine

[Joe]

I just picked up an engine (not literally, those things are heavy!) and would like to know what it fits. The number on the head is 130 016 32 01 and it also has embossed "280SE/A". The injection pump and cold start valve are missing.
I know this head was used on the late 280SL. I cannot find any numbers on the block, but haven't completely cleaned it. I assume if the head was for only the 280SL, the block probably matches, as I cannot see someone putting a 280SL head on a 280SE block. I guess they could, though.
If anyone can tell me how to identify whether the block is SE or SL I'd appreciate it.
Thanks,
Joe

[Cees Klumper]

The engine is probably a sedan one. To know for sure, you need to report the engine number that is on the block itself. The only difference that matters with an SL one is that the gears to drive the tachometer will not be there - but can be swapped over from an SL engine, or can be bought new. The camshaft will also be different, but the extra 10 or so HP come in only at very high (if I recall correctly, 5,000+) RPMs. so that is something not overly relevant for most people.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[ja17]

Hello,

Sedan heads and SL heads were the same. There should be a stamped number on the block. If the area where the number should be is blank, then it is a replacement block from Mercedes. As mentioned these blocks are the same on SLs and Sedans also except for the tachometer drive gear and some external accessories. Here is a picture which Doug Kim posted showing the correct location of the engine number.

Download Attachment: engine number courtesy of Doug Kim.jpg
8.57 KB

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[hands_aus]

quote:Originally posted by cees klumper

 The only difference that matters with an SL one is that the gears to drive the tachometer will not be there - but can be swapped over from an SL engine, or can be bought new.

Hey Cees and Joe,
How is the tacho added to the sedan block?
Is the 'opening' for the tacho thrust bush there on the sedan block?

Thanks

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Raymond]

Bob,
Yes the threaded port for the tach cable is on the block.  When I had the unfortunate experience of buying an SL engine from Star Quality that turned out to be a trashed SE engine, the only thing I could salvage was the block, but the tach drive gears, thrust bushing, etc for an SL fit right in.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[ja17]

Hello Bob,

Yes the bushing is the same and the oppening in the top on a sedan block is covered by a screw in plug where normally the shaft from the tack drive gear protrudes.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[hands_aus]

Hey Ray and Joe,

Thanks for the info. I have wondered about that for quite a while.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto