wow. just saw that there's a guy on e-bay with a cylinder head for sale. Here's his info:

Up for sale is a Cylinder Head pulled from a 1994 S350D Diesel (603 motor) with 122K miles on it. This Cylinder Head is in perfect operational and mechanical condition. This Cylinder Head will fit all W140 W124 W126 S class 300SDL S350D 300D years 1986 - 1996 and more!

According to his description, this head would fit my 1987 300TD with the OM603 engine. Does this sound right? Mine is a 3.0 and I thought these later engines were 3.5. Are the cylinder heads actually interchangeable without mods or anything?

 

The #17 - #22 heads found on the OM603.97 (what you're listing above -- 3.5L) are the best heads available for any OM603 engine. If you can find one, then jump on it, pronto! I opted for a bare brand new #22 head and then proceeded to add all new lifters and valves, which I hand lapped into place. I think I spent somewhere near $2k all told...not to mention my time custom port-matching/polishing.

 

Try...

Potomac German Auto : Nation's Largest Since 1979

Good luck!

 

It will fit. The #15 and #16 heads are fairly rare, but they all fit, and should be a definite upgrade over the stock #14. You may need to install your "vertical" pre-chambers, as this one may use "inclined" versions. Not a huge deal, but if the head comes with those "inclined" injectors, then it's not a problem at all. Sorta confusing, but if the price is right, I'd jump and then sort out the small stuff later.

 

Sounds great! I am a little concerned about "inclined" vs vertical pre-chambers...but you say it is not a huge deal. If they're not both identical versions, then are we talking machine shop involvement and/or much $$?

I think I'll go ahead and ask to purchase them. He wants $500 and the car supposedly had 122K miles.

Thank you, Sir.

 

I missed out on it. Still looking for a head so I can get this thing on the road again. I appreciate any help.

 

Did your original head crack or warp or something?

 

yes, it was diagnosed as a cracked head by a local mercedes shop.

 

The two different injectors (original and oblique) have a lower body that is totally different (thread are in a different spot on the body, and I think they are also different size threads). You cannot modify the oblique pre-chambers by shaving off a bit of metal and then fit the original injectors.

You need to find a set of the new oblique injectors.

Easy but expensive path: buy a set that are new or rebuilt.

Harder but less expensive path: find a used set, and then have them rebuilt.

Possible path: Take your heads to a machine shop and have them swap over the pre-chambers, but understand the risk is that one or more of them will crack during this operation, and also a risk that they won't seal correctly.

 

You cannot modify the oblique pre-chambers by shaving off a bit of metal and then fit the original injectors.

That's not what he's suggesting. He's talking about swapping out the prechambers for the older style which can be done but requires some machining. I agree that the easier option is to get new or used injectors to go with the new head.

 

Ok gotcha, sorry for the mistake.

 

Oil leak and gasket for IP: If Mercedes can't sell that to you, maybe a Bosch injection shop can source a kit to re-seal the IP. Otherwise you'll need to make your own gasket.