Thanks, Ive been working on that sucker so much in the past year, ive almost done a complete overall on it from transmission, engine, AC system, electronics you name it. Runs better than when we got it about 10yrs ago.
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.
One of the largest flaws in this design was they took the 3.0L engine and just overbored it to 3.5L, therefore the cylinder walls between cylinders were much too thin. The other flaw was the design in the rods, these engines were notorious for bending rods. This one in particular blew the engine at 130k miles Benz dealer replaced it, then my sister in law was driving it and somewhat overheated it (big no no in these 3.5L) and blew the headgasket and also warped the head about 0.003". So I milled the deck on the head 0.004" and then put all new injectors, glowplugs, acid washed the entire head, new valve job, new valve seals, the list goes on and on... Most of the work was done by me except the machine work.
One of the largest flaws in this design was they took the 3.0L engine and just overbored it to 3.5L, therefore the cylinder walls between cylinders were much too thin. The other flaw was the design in the rods, these engines were notorious for bending rods. This one in particular blew the engine at 130k miles Benz dealer replaced it, then my sister in law was driving it and somewhat overheated it (big no no in these 3.5L) and blew the headgasket and also warped the head about 0.003". So I milled the deck on the head 0.004" and then put all new injectors, glowplugs, acid washed the entire head, new valve job, new valve seals, the list goes on and on... Most of the work was done by me except the machine work.
Dixit
Great pics! I have an issue with my 350 SDL as it shakes very rough at stop lights. Other than that it is a smooth, well maintained car. I have been advised to have a compression check and then a valve check. If the test turns out ok they say it's the fuel injection pump that needs to be calibrated. What do you think?
Thanks,
Jim
Great pics! I have an issue with my 350 SDL as it shakes very rough at stop lights. Other than that it is a smooth, well maintained car. I have been advised to have a compression check and then a valve check. If the test turns out ok they say it's the fuel injection pump that needs to be calibrated. What do you think?
Thanks,
Jim
Compression check is going to be hard in that you need the special fitting, normal mechanics will not have this, you have to buy the special fitting and only a few places even have it. As well as you need a diesel compression gauge, cannot use a gasoline one as it will break the gauge with its pressure.
Not sure if its valves it would typically happen at all RPMs then.
What it idle at? Sounds like it might be too low or maybe your injectors are flowing poorly at low rpm (idle) and making it run rough because of that. At higher rpms the fuel pump has more pressure and maybe then you dont really feel the shaky-ness.
I just had my compression checked and it is not good news.
The 603.970 engine only has 174,000 miles.
Minimum compression is: 18 bavov / 255.96 PSI
no. 1 is 8 / 113.76
no. 3 is 10.5 / 152.25
no. 2 is 14.5
no. 4 is 13.0
no. 6 is 15
The fuel injection pump is leaking a little from the seal.
The car is beautiful and rides like a dream. Except the constant shaking at lights. The mechanic said if I had about 7 grand to rebuild, but I am just going to drive it until...
Jim
I just had my compression checked and it is not good news.
The 603.970 engine only has 174,000 miles.
Minimum compression is: 18 bavov / 255.96 PSI
no. 1 is 8 / 113.76
no. 3 is 10.5 / 152.25
no. 2 is 14.5
no. 4 is 13.0
no. 6 is 15
The fuel injection pump is leaking a little from the seal.
The car is beautiful and rides like a dream. Except the constant shaking at lights. The mechanic said if I had about 7 grand to rebuild, but I am just going to drive it until...
Jim
Yea 7k sounds about right, however if I was doing it myself, it would be much much less obviously. I just cant justify spending 7k to these mechanics when I have the skills and know how myself.
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