Mercedes G wagan needing a new engine

[johnJJ]

Hi.I have just bought a 1990 G wagan 280 petrol SWB,auto. The engine is knocking badly so I think I've got crank shaft problems..I have a 1990 e class 300d with an automatic transmission,could it be a doner and if so what problems would I have doing that? Would it be better to just fix the petrol lump? If anyone could advise,may thanks..

 

[jibcl500]

Swapping the 300d and box will lose your 4X4, the auto box isnt the same on the G. Best to find another 280

jib

 

[johnJJ]

Thanks for that..I was thinking the 300d engine would not work with the 280 petrol auto box in the G wagan..The gear ratios would not be the same,I'm sure?

or would they be within reason?..Would the 300d diesel engine not rev high enough for the G wagans auto box..
I don't have any problem with the 2.8 petrol(apart from the fuel consumption of course)its a lively engine with plenty of power.I love the straight 6 diesel,nothing sounds quite like it and I had this one completely overhauled 2 years ago,so it a nice engine..(the car got a smack from a dustbin truck a while ago and has been sitting in my workshop taking up space since)..
Thanks for the tips and if you have any other thought,feel free to send them..Cheers. J

 

[premmington]

Correct the 603 diesel engine will not rev enuf for the petrol engines auto gearbox. Shame as its one of the best engines made....

http://fp.remmington.plus.com/mercservice.htm

 

[johnJJ]

Thanks Remmington for that..I suspected the revs would not be high enough for the gear ratios in the G wagan..As you say,its a real pity because I'm going to do a top down restoration of this jeep and would like that big diesel lump singing up front..Its going to be a weekend car and just for the fun to drive...I have wanted a G wagan for ages but you just can't get them over here(ireland) and when you do come across on the prices are crazy..(i seen a 93 230 with 180 miles last week,the guy was looking for 27k euro for it...lovely but well out of my range so its long evenings in the workshop for me until I have this one on the road,with a little help for MB owners and a few pals..thanks

 

[brandwooddixon]

The alternative is to look at changing the diff ratios. There are plenty of companies which convert old Land Rovers to diesel power. It may be worth enquiring from one of them what's entailed.

 

[mister_cee333]

I thought there was a 3 litre diesel g wagon. That would set me looking at whether it's the same engine, and therefore a gearbox from a diesel g wagon combined with your re-con engine would do just nicely.

 

[Bolide]

One thing to bear in mind is that the diesel G-Wagon, as tested by Autocar, was the slowest-accelerating car to 60 mph they had ever tested

I'd rebuild the 280

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[johnJJ]

Thanks Brandwooddixon for your comments..I ll check out what you said..I am leaning in the direction of the 280 petrol engine rebuild for the very reasons you mention Bolide. The 2.8 petrol engine in the G wagan is a belter and very powerful.
Someone has told me that a 5 cylinder diesel conversion is to be had..I'm assuming its the 2.5 5cyl engine out of the 310 van/250 diesel e class..I'm not sure.Bottom line is you can't mate a diesel engine to a petrol auto transmission(I'm not sure about a petrol engine to a diesel transmission,You might be going into orbit with that combination)..
I woulds like to find a really good petrol engine guy over here to take it away and bring it back singing(cost is not the issue)..Not easy to fine in my neck of the woods.
Thanks everyone.