Blown Motor on 300TD

[Richard.Wilson]

Hi guys,
My sister has a '91 J 300TD 250K miles, even the same colour as mine....spooky.
She just phoned me to say it started smoking badly this morning, went to her local MB specialist who's diagnosed blown rings and told her the motor's likely to be toast.
Anybody tried rebuilding one? or know a good source for reconditioned motors.
I figure I could probably do the job if there's not too many special tools necessary. but I'm lead to believe that it's a nightmare job.
Finding a good second hand or refurb unit seems favourite.

Any suggestions?
Regards
Richard

 

[dieselman]

Suddden smoking must be a sudden failure.

Possibly this could be down to piston rings breaking or more likley a blown head gasket. It could even be down to a blocked crankcase ventilator.

You need to investigate more deeply before condemning the engine.

 

[Richard.Wilson]

Seems that although there are plenty of 300TDs about they never get broken, and engines are like rocking horse manure. I've not found any worthwhile anywhere.
I'm going to get to London and check it over, as maybe there was not a full leak-down test done, and it may not be rings.

However, if it's the rings and so a total engine strip, it's probably not ecconomical to rebuild the motor....seems I'm looking at the thick end of 2K ....and she's probably not worth that much.
How about chucking a 200 or 250 diesel motor in it? anyone know what other motors will fit a 1991 300TD auto?
Richard

 

[dieselman]

I would have thought it was worth rebuilding the original engine as at the worst it wants a new piston, rings and maybe a cylinder liner.

Get the proper diagnostics done and then make a decision.

You could always use a 290direct diesel engine out of a Gwagon or sprinter van. There are plenty around.
Alternatively import an engine from europe.

I personally dont think you need an engine at all.

 

[Richard.Wilson]

Thanks for the advice,
Do I follow that any of these motors will fit to the autobox and mountings of the 6 cyl original?

 

[dieselman]

I can't be sure but I believe so as various combinations are available in europe using the same 722 autobox.