In a message dated 1/8/2007 12:55:09 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Eventually I dismantled my 300GD engine ( OM617.91 ) and discovered a crack on cyl #1 between the two valves. Engine has never overheated in last 6 years I have had it and water usage is negligable ( 0.5 l / 20000 km ). Is this problem commonplace ? Peter, I have replaced cast iron heads on the four cylinder 616, and my current 617 car. In both cases, you KNOW they are leaking and the engine overheats forthwith. When I began overhauling my 79, I found that the used head ( on there 6 years)had a crack between the valves but had never shown a sign of leaking. I think some cracks are common and can be ignored. Sign of leakage, such as water consumption and steam cleaned combustion chambers should NOT be ignored. I also have an aluminum 603 head (#18) that was cracked between the valves on number 6 cylinder, and it did not show signs of leaking either. Of course, if someone was paying a shop to rebuild an engine, the incidental cost of $550 for a new bare head would be a good insurance risk. Regards, Jim Friesen Phoenix AZ 79 300SD, 264 K miles 98 ML 320, 146 K miles
