Not sure if the hook up for the early 300D is going to be issue with an
older w115. From the stuff I find at the PnP, an old 616 with the pull
start will fit pretty easy in your 250c
My guess for how to attack it, would involve removing the dash. This
alone will dissuade most people. Think of it as a chance to fix blower
motor issues and heat exchanger cleaning. Avoid having A/C because
that makes it orders of magnitude more hassle.
As long as the coupe is in superb body condition with no rust at all, I
would be fine tossing a diesel in. If there are body issues, then I am
not sure I want to have so many angles to attack. Rust and getting the
engine in would make it hard for me to focus on one job.
On the sedans the engine compartment looks the same, you just have to
figure out which hole is for what component. Engine height may
restrict use and location of air filters from newer motors. Also the
electronics will be harder to work with in the older body. May also
have issue with ancillary components, like PS and filters.
Were I to have a great body 250c with dead engine, and a rust hulk 240D
115, I would completely remove the gas engine and install the complete
engine compartment from the 240. Move the Temp gauge with the engine.
I would also move the complete transmission and drive train.
Use the diesel dash as a template for the holes to drill in the gas
dash. If you are using a contemporary engine, you will need a hole
for the pull start and the salt shaker glow which will transfer over
from the 240 dash.
Fuel tanks will have to swap as well with fuel lines. Good time to
upgrade to Viton. Hook the sender unit for gauge with the clean tank,
free of bugs and clean screens. Also going to have to redo the exhaust
system, so get new.
That about deals with the torque and electronic issues I could see.
Anybody who knows more than I do, which may be most, will no doubt be
able to plug the holes large enough to drive through
On Thursday, June 23, 2005, at 06:30 AM, Joseph Shaw wrote:
Clay-
Well, not sure if I will ever get the chance! I have not gotten ANY
feedback from anyone here that has done it or even said it was
possible!
I figured someone would have done this before, or some mechanic that
is on thelist would know or something. Unfortunately for me I am not
in an area where there are many Benz's around, so I have no access to
look at a couple of diesel engines and see if the mounts are similar!
I may have to drive 60 miles to where the one is for sale and see if I
can look at it!!!
I'll keep you posted if I find anything.
Michael
A Frankenbenz!!!!
If you get the brass ones to go ahead, let me know how it works out,
because I want to turn a 250C in to a diesel convertable
On Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at 05:09 AM, Joseph Shaw wrote:
I am curious as to the possibility of swapping engines in Mercedes
vehicles.
I have the 250C I have been discussing the carbs in, but have seen a
couple of 300D wrecks with supposedly not bad miles on the engine
around here lately. I would love to convert mine, but was wondering
if this was an easy swap or a difficult swap.
Mine is a '72 250C, which uses the 2.8L, inline 6 engine. I think
this is a very similar set-up to the 280 and 300 diesel engines of
the same vintage, and it may be as simple as a drop in, although
likely a different tranny would be needed as well.
Is this as easy as it looks, or is it a major undertaking?
Also, if this is a possibility, what year did they change engines to
make this easier v. more difficult?
I think the '70's to early 80's 300D's all looked about the same,
but don't know specifics.
Thanks to all you that know this kind of info for any advice you can
provide!
J. Michael Shaw, II, D.C.
--
Clay
Seattle Bioburner
1972 220D - Gump
1995 E300D - Cleo
1987 300SDL - POS - DOA
