Let me call this "my official build thread OM617 mercedes"

[BionicCruiser]

Oh I won't be too hasty. Just need to figure out if I'm going the way of Bionic or if I am going to stay with the cool, if though slightly underpowered, way of the diesel.

Time will tell............................

not sure if I'm honored at being an example of something you'd want or offended at not being cool.

all kidding aside, a rebuild is cheaper than a new conversion...and cooler.

 

[505 crusher]

I may have a ready to run engine for you if you want to fix it. Shoot me a pm if interested

 

[jstncse]

PM sent

 

[jstncse]

IT'S ALIVE

I picked up an 85 300td with a bad transmission last week, only 132,000 miles and it runs sweet in the FJ. A clutch issue has kept me humping the last couple of days but I resolved it finally today.

 

[dubestoy]

congrats

was wondering where you were at... great to hear you got your rig going again. best of luck , and if you get a chance post a video!
thanks

 

[alia176]

IT'S ALIVE

I picked up an 85 300td with a bad transmission last week, only 132,000 miles and it runs sweet in the FJ. A clutch issue has kept me humping the last couple of days but I resolved it finally today.

Good, now don't muck this one up too We need to get you out of the garage and on the trails.

 

[jstncse]

Good, now don't muck this one up too We need to get you out of the garage and on the trails.

My wife said something similar to that.
Should be ready to go the only thing left on my current plan is building a rear crossmember.

I took it out to Monetessa today and ran up the arroyo, Climbed in and out in a couple places to see how the engine worked when being lugged. It sure isn't a 4bt but it did all right in the sand. I'll try to post some videos tomorrow.

 

[jstncse]

Rear crossmember is built........................videos are still not posted................ oh, and I really like it.

It is running great and with the rear crossmember in, the whole thing doesn't feel like it is going to shake apart.

 

[lincolnut]

Don't break it before I get to see it in a couple of weeks........................

I really like your avatar................I know I'm a dirty old man..........

Mike...(Dad)

 

[jstncse]

These pictures have nothing to do with how this diesel runs.

I was just checking to see if anything was going to fall off.

 

[sl33p3]

These pictures have nothing to do with how this diesel runs.
I was just checking to see if anything was going to fall off.

well... did it?

 

[jstncse]

well... did it?

I fell out of the door but everything else stayed where it belonged.

 

[jstncse]

We spent the day out in the puerco, and only once did I want for more power. That was while climbing a very steep loose dirt hill with a 2' waterfall at the top of it, when I slowed down to pop over the waterfall the engine did not want to pick up RPM's quick enough, thankfully it had enough torque to make it over but just barely.
I would still like to install an Orion 4-1 transfer case just for crawlability but this engine performs great with the stock drivetrain and 32" tires.

Overall I am very pleased with my current setup.

Rio Puerco run 4-29-12 :: HPIM2564.mp4 video by oldrojo - Photobucket

 

[lincolnut]

Great video, Glad to hear it works for you...........

Mike (Dad)

 

[jstncse]

I finally got a video while out wheeling. I had already made it up this once but nobody had the camera, I could not get the right line after that.

 

[BionicCruiser]

looks good! is the rear axle moved back? looks like it with stock well openings. it doesn't seem to rub. just a little deeper gearing and you'll be unstoppable!

 

[jstncse]

The rear axle is back 4" and the front is moved forward 4". Gives me about 98" wheel base for a smoother ride well smoother than stock anyway.

The stock gears work great on the highway but I need a 4:1 Orion for the trails. If anybody has one or the conversion parts that they want to sell, hit me up.

 

[BionicCruiser]

you know what made mine ride smooth? a shackle reversal. I'll do it on any (leaf sprung) modified cruiser I own from now on.

 

[CAminitruck]

So now that you've gotten some miles on the swap...

1) On the road, how is the power?
2) How is the fuel economy?

 

[jstncse]

The on road power is fine. 0-60 in less than 30 seconds and a 1/4 mile time some where around 25 seconds, just kidding it probably isn't that good.
I have had it up to 85mph it cruisers nicely around 65-70 and has adequate power for the application. Less low end torque than a 2F but revs more freely and therefore feels better suited at highway speeds.

As for fuel economy. Every tank has been mixture of highway/city/4wheeling and I'm averaging 15mpg.
I would guess that it would be 20/highway 15/city and 10-12/4wheeling, across the board it is double what the gas engine was.