Differences between 300D and 300GD engines and gearboxes
Good day
I am contemplating replacing my 1983 engine and auto gearbox with units out of a rusted W123 sedan of the same year, but in better condition. I figure this will be cheaper than rebuilding my units. The sedan gearbox has 20000km since a rebuild. I will be test driving the sedan tomorrow.
I expect the following differences in the engines:
- air filter type
- water pump, thermostat
- sump pan
Is the oil pickup in the sump different?
And the gearboxes will probably have:
- slightly different ratios
- sedan no 'lock-up' in first gear
- output flange different
According to the vendor the sedan gearbox CAN select first gear, with some electrical connection, can anybody confirm this? Comments or observations please!
Regards
Adrian
Replacing an engine is about the work involved rather than the cost of the engine unit itself as they are all very cheap in todays values. Can I suggest that rather than fit the om617 engine you update to the om603 as fitted to the w463 g-wagen. This engine is smoother & more powerful than the 5 cylinder engine and fitting it will put a smile on your face. The perfect answer is a om606a engine but that is a lot more work and expense
Why change the gearbox? Just change the engine.
This may be of some use
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=759496900742280&set=a.7590721407...
The om603 is slightly better in the 460 because its only driving the rear wheels the 463 is heavier too
I am currently rebuilding the front hubs, an expensive exercise. With the investment in time and money on this project I think I should be putting some money into a modern turbo diesel to make the whole car more useable at the end of it - and to justify the expense incurred thus far!
The Musso Sports is coming down in value and there are a few low-mileage cars for sale locally....and my teenage sons opinion is to go for POWER, and as he is my primary helper, his willing input is vital!
I am not aware of any OM662 conversions here in Australia, so I will be relying on the experiences shared by trailbrazers elsewhere!
One thing you'll need to consider is that after about '98, the Musso's were introduced with electronics in the injection system. As far as I know, the Musso sports in Aussy are a later model vehicle and therefore most likely have electronics. Maybe you want the electronics? But it makes it more of a challenge for a conversion.
Do you want Auto or Manual?
I have done a 662 conversion with sprinter 6 speed manual, an excellent setup. Tony and Mike on here have also done it so there's plenty of knowledge floating about. Search here and on clubgwagen, it's all there.
Cheers Scott
Hi
Have you om606 cars over there that are turbo diesel. Tis engine is my choice after doing 3 engine swaps. The 603 the mercedes 2.9 sprinter and finally the 606 which i love and is my favorite and its in it to stay
g
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I have driven the potential donor car and am somewhat disappointed in its speed. And the engine looks very neglected, perished rubber hoses etc., although despite its 450000km, there is negligible smoke or blow-by. The AC compressor sits at the lower LHS on the sedan and may have to be removed to fit in the G.
My gearbox has the tell-tale burnt-smelling fluid, and had masses of metal filings in its pan. The donor gearbox had been rebuilt 50000km ago. The fluid looked perfect, the box shifted fine. The G has a much deeper oilpan. Although the G has an extra position on the gearselector - for first gear - this does no more than activate the lock-up microswitch according to the vendor who has many years experience as a MB mechanic. He thought the sedan bellhousing may not be sealed to the same degree as the G.
He thought the engine sumps were the same, by the way. I think I should test drive another 300D sedan to see if this one is down on power, before contemplating using it. I did once have a W463 with the 6 cyl diesel. It was gutless too, and needed to be revved like a petrol to get going. I may also consider alternative merc diesels, well mainly the OM662 Ssangyong, if one came along at a reasonable price. I am in W Australia, where options are limited for alternative engine types.