OK I am still obsessing. Found this "official" 126 site,
http://www.s-klasse-club.de/gb/index.html wherein it says:
*Diesel:*
The Diesel versions were only produced for the North American export
market. Over here, they are quite rare, therefore we have only limited
information about their performance. Even the best MB workshops
generally do not know how to handle these cars when they require
service. More often than that, spare parts for these cars are sought in
123 spare parts lists, not always the most reliable source. Most 126
diesels in Europe are privately converted gasoline engine versions. We
have to advise against those: Quality of such projects is hard to
describe! Those who are looking for an original diesel should look for
the telltale US markings: Combined mileage/kilometer counter, fat
bumpers front and rear, English text on switches, VIN plate visible
through the front windshield and the characteristic sealed beam
headlights and taillights with integrated running lights. The diesel was
available in three main engine variants: the 5-cylinder OM617 300SD
Turbo diesel (until 1985), the 6-cylinder OM603 300SDL turbo diesel
(only available as long wheelbase version) and the 6-cylinder OM603
350SD turbo diesel. We have to advice against the 350SD because of its
tendency to develop cracks in the cylinder head. Best buy is the 300SDL,
both because of the long wheelbase option and the better performance
(145 HP against 120 HP of the OM617).
So, this car I looked at supposedly had a bad head gasket, this seems to
suggest cracking head could be a problem. Anyone have an (relevant)
opinion? If I got this thing would it be a boat anchor, or if the head
is indeed cracked, would a good one be findable?
--R
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL:
<http://okiebenz.com/pipermail/mercedes_okiebenz.com/attachments/20090325/8f7ed624/attachment.html>
_______________________________________
http://www.okiebenz.com
For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com
To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com