So my father brough his pride and joy to me and it would not turn on after over heating on the hwy. I noticed a puddle of coolant in the exhaust header. So I knew the headgasket probably has been blown.
I began tearing down the engine (first time ever working on these 603 engines, im more a smallblock Chevy guy). I managed to tear it down and get the cylinder head removed and dont really have conclusive evidence to show the headgasket was blown, the gasket looks solid and one piece. however the #2 cylinder is full of coolant, not sure how it got there, will have to really analyze the head to make sure there are no internal cracks in it thats allowing the coolant to escape into the intake chamber. Im going to take the head to a machine shop to get a resurface/cleaning job done and see if he finds anything wrong with it. Then I will put it back together.
BTW using the rail pin puller is so easy, took me 1min a piece.
Wow 44 looks and not too much interest, no biggie. Just thought people might have been interested in seeing a teardown of it since it looks like there were a few mechanical/diyers on here.
You're a brave man to take on the 350 diesel engine.
It has an unenviable reputation for being the worst MB engine of all times. Most 603 engines barely make it into 6-digit mileage territory before they blow up.
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Regards,
Axel
1990 SEC, Arctic White w/gray interior, M119.960 326 Hp. engine from 1992 500 SL, 722.370 transmission from 500E (reinforced clutches), 2:82 Differential, Euro Headlamps, 1st Gear Start module, One-Touch Window module and Keyless Entry module all from BergWerks, Bilstein HD Shocks on front axle, H&R lowering springs front and rear, AMG 3-piece 17" rims, 8.5" in the front and 10" at the rear.
You're a brave man to take on the 350 diesel engine.
It has an unenviable reputation for being the worst MB engine of all times. Most 603 engines barely make it into 6-digit mileage territory before they blow up.
Most well-cared-for 603 engines make it well past 400K miles like the stalwart 616/617. It is only the 3.5 liter versions that are lucky to get past 1 - 200K miles. Not all 603's were created equal, after all.
I've seen the 350 torn down before. I have one such shortblock that used to power one of my cars before the #1 cylinder became destroyed. Its a mess.
Interestingly, I had no sleeves in that engine. NONE AT ALL! While yours, Dixit, clearly has a full set of them. Why?
greyfoxmc - Thanks, Im stuck on one portion, looks like I need to buy this flipping socket tool just to remove the threaded ring that holds the prechambers in place. Its about $55 for this one flipping socket, if I dont get the prechambers off, machine shop wont take it as they wont be able to clean and resurface it properly.
AxelWulff - Yea this engine is probably the worst designed, this has blown already once at the 130k mile marker, today i think its at 215k. But my father refuses to part with it just yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DslBnz
Most well-cared-for 603 engines make it well past 400K miles like the stalwart 616/617. It is only the 3.5 liter versions that are lucky to get past 1 - 200K miles. Not all 603's were created equal, after all.
I've seen the 350 torn down before. I have one such shortblock that used to power one of my cars before the #1 cylinder became destroyed. Its a mess.
Interestingly, I had no sleeves in that engine. NONE AT ALL! While yours, Dixit, clearly has a full set of them. Why?
DslBnz, only thing I can say is that when the engine was replaced they replaced it with a reman, so most likely mercedes resleeved it as I would assume they are not making 603 350SDL motors for parts at all.
Wow 44 looks and not too much interest, no biggie. Just thought people might have been interested in seeing a teardown of it since it looks like there were a few mechanical/diyers on here.
Dixit
do you still have the pics to check out? I am all about understanding my 350 SDL.
Jim
I am wondering what makes the 3.5L turbodiesel so unlikely to maintain engine life compared to the 3.0L turbodiesel? Is it any one particular thing? I imagine its probably a few different design downfalls...but I'd be curious to know which ones seem to be the pests that cause a lifespan that is so short?
I understand with great maintenance ANY "bad" engine can outlast its stereotype, but from what I understand, the 3.5L seems to die based on design flaws no matter the maintenance routines.
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