Mercedes Benz OM617 turbo-diesel engine conversion on a FJ 40

[josemari]

In the Philippines they are using the inline 6 diesel from a Nissan Patrol on the FJ 40 but im not sure what transmission they are using with that motor.The Nissan Patrol is a full size SUV that is not sold in the USA. Has anyone else hered of this conversion? Any pictures available? Thanks.

 

[leadvagas]

Not to derail this thread, but what is not so good about the nissan SD33T, or any of the SD22, SD25, SD33 engines? They seem sturdy in the 4 cyl datsun pickup trucks. Just wondering if they have an achilles heel?

Well, nothing REALLY bad. Parts availability is nill, they won't take more than about the 6 psi stock boost in the turbo vertion. They tend to retain heat in the #2 piston and melt down without any warning. If you really want to dig into the SD33NA & the SD33T sign up over @ Binder Bulliten and do a search under Trevan Baker in the diesel section. There are about 12 guys over there that are die hard SD guys. There were about 6000 SD33T Scouts built in 1980, they are rare. I sold mine for $1500, and was glad to get it. They loose their charm after the 2nd head gasket @ $120 in gaskets. A rebuild goes about $3-$4K, not inclueding a turbo or injector pump. So if you can get one for free, here is what you'll need to put it into your FJ. Custom made trans adaptor OR use the T19 &Dana 20 (the SD has a SAE #4 bell to block pattern nothing easily fits), a late SD33 water pump & clutch fan (Jesco had a few left @ $400 ea), Live with the crappy Hitachi 35 Amp alt w/vacuum pump (nobody has replacement regulators) or fab up something better and go to Hyrdaboost brakes, and oh yea the power stearing pump mounting system is junk. So, if you want an expensive never ending project, take an SD33T and put it in anything. In all fairness the SD33T from 1981 on in the Patrol was a pretty good power plant. But it had a drive train desiegned FOR the SD power plant.

 

[71 redwood]

a nissan 240Z with a diesel ?? wow ...that would be sick with a 6" lift an a turbo badge on the back between the tail lights...maybe 39' Iroks an a rancho lift. an a camo paint.....lol

 

[ar2stp48]

Have had a 300D (non turbo) and 300SD (turbo) and both got 29-30 mpg. Around here, I have found several engines for under $1K and low miles; working on a complete car with minor damage now for between $400 and $500. It is mid 80's 300SD (turbo)

Parts can be found at reasonable prices--less than my 40 parts. This idea for engine swap as always been in my mind, this will be a good threa to follow.

 

[MiniPigg]

The inline 6 passenger engine is L24, L26, L28 (spark) or LD28 (diesel). A modern OHC engine, very similar to the mercedes.

Those are the ones used in like the Celica and such?

 

[MiniPigg]

Have had a 300D (non turbo) and 300SD (turbo) and both got 29-30 mpg. Around here, I have found several engines for under $1K and low miles; working on a complete car with minor damage now for between $400 and $500. It is mid 80's 300SD (turbo)

Parts can be found at reasonable prices--less than my 40 parts. This idea for engine swap as always been in my mind, this will be a good threa to follow.

I like checking craigslist.... found a crap load of them in the Cheyenne to Denver area for nothing. The last three I bought in the area I spent about 500-700 dollars... drove them and them parted two of them out and sold the 300SD.

 

[FJ40Jim]

Those are the ones used in like the Celica and such?

The Toyota Celica Supra & cressida use the Toyota M-series inline-6 engines (4ME, 5MGE, 7MGE,GTE...).

The Datsun 810 Maxima and Z-cars use the Nissan L series inline-6 gas & diesel engines (L20A, L24,L26,L28E,L28ET,LD28).

Similar stuff, just as domestic USA V8 engines are similar.

 

[DWitcher]

So whats the word on a tranny adapter for the 4 or 5cyl ?

 

[Bennett]

So whats the word on a tranny adapter for the 4 or 5cyl ?

The word is still nothing from what I hear....

I found this online today and started daydreaming again. I have a Mercedes OM 617 low mile motor and this looks like a good way to go and less $$ ( I think) in a Fj40

Mercedes diesel info

 

[orangefj45]

Bringing this thread back to life......

I got one of Lukes Adapters a few months ago. Will be installng an om617 into a customers ( and very good friends ) 40 very soon. 85 sd300 donor vehicle is at the shop waiting to be sacrificed.

Looking forward to this swap since the Mercedes is new territory for me.

Georg @ valley hybrids

 

[Bennett]

So Orange... what trans you going with- an auto I'd guess ?

700R4 maybe... be sure to keep us posted on the build...

Andre had a little clearance problem with that ford V10 starter solenoid being 1/4" or less from the frame
on his mini truck app. You probably won't have that issue on a 40. The solenoid sits about 9'Oclock
as viewed from the front of the vehicle. Looks like he might have to alter the frame some... haven't found
a option for a top mounted solenoid in that V10 starter.

 

[Robbie296]

sorry if i sound pretentious, but toyota made some real good diesels, the 2H and its turbo twin are insanely good motors, they regularly see a trip around the odo without much more than good maintenance performed properly

im tellin you how to do things, creativity and uniqueness keep new ideas flowing and everyone guessing whats next

go for it, get it in there and going, BTW i love my diesels esp turboed ones with straight through exhausts
ahhh all gooey in the wee wee at that thought

 

[orangefj45]

Thanks for the input guys.

This cruiser has a 465-Orion combo right now behind a 2f. The only thing we're replacing is the engine.

I like the factory Toyota Fidel engines quite a bit as well and I think they're a great choice even though they're a lot more expensive than some of the alternatives. My troopie has a 2h in it that's been beyond reliable.

We decided on the om617 for this rig because it will be moving to Mexico and Toyota diesels and parts are just about non-existant down there. However, the Benz motors are common and parts are available.

I'll start a thread when we get under way .....

Georg @ valley hybrids

 

[yoopercharged]

subscribed. I might be doing a similar swap.

 

[MTDewX8]

you could also convert it to burn VO so when your on the trail teh folks behind you are always hungry. lol

 

[yoopercharged]

It was VO when it was in the car. The two problems there are bears chasing me and fat chicks chasing me.

 

[MTDewX8]

Yeah I hear that. my F-350 long bed CC dont make it to the trails so I dont think of that. lol
plus space is valuable.
not sure which is worst fat chicks or bears. both are faster than you think when food is involved.

 

[gothodgie]

not sure which is worst fat chicks or bears. both are faster than you think when food is involved.

I have to agree with that.... The french fry smell could get you in trouble... lol

Is the year Benz you are using considered the more reliable of them? I have read that some of the Benz deisels are better than others. I have been thinking about this swap myself. There has been a couple of the TCD Benz's for sale around my neck of the woods recently. Sorry for the little thread jack.

 

[IH8Wood]

I have to agree with that.... The french fry smell could get you in trouble... lol

Is the year Benz you are using considered the more reliable of them? I have read that some of the Benz deisels are better than others. I have been thinking about this swap myself. There has been a couple of the TCD Benz's for sale around my neck of the woods recently. Sorry for the little thread jack.

I researched MB diesel engines before I bought my 300D and the 617 (5-cylinder) is considered to be one of the best.

 

[piecemeal]

the 617 is an awesome engine and it will run FOREVER. My buddy is a mercedes master-mechanic (12 years) and was stoked when he found out we could put a MB engine in the pig. He said that you can buy a NEW, not used, 617 for about 3K. However, used ones can be hard to find since they're usually still running in vehicles. MB parts can be a bit pricy, but there are tons of sources for aftermarket parts for these engines....