OM 617 value and swapability ?'s

[Kief]

So I came across a rig with 185k and the price was right- a little more than scrap value and if the motor is good I might consider the swap potential and part out what is left. It seems like there is a surplus of them around here (souther oregon) and they sell from $750 to $3500 on CL..
What is the motor worth if in good condition?
It is a 1981 300 turbo diesel (SD) It started up after sitting 2 years but has a flat, lots of bees and the radiator was not hooked up as the old one was swapped out for the new one which didn't fit and the owner lost interest..

Looking for input... Thanks..

 

[Estancio]

What is the motor worth if in good condition?
It is a 1981 300 turbo diesel (SD) .

Great motor! Bullet-proof but only 3 liter and limited power for a heavy Cruiser.
IMHO would not do such a swap ... but check IH8MUD archives.

 

[Kief]

Yep, I think it would be too small for an 80, maybe OK for a light duty 60 but would be sweet for a 40 series or a MINI/UTility rig..

 

[Kief]

The 300 SD is rated at less than 5000 pounds which is the same or more than a 40 series and the folks I've known who had a turbo'd 300 diesel had no complaints about power.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

$500 to $650 for a good running read: "needs nothing" swap ready engine. Wouldn't go near one for a 60. Would absolutely run one in a 40.

Why not the Isuzu? More power with same transplant costs as the MB. I am biased in this regards though.

clint

 

[Isaacjohnstar]

I think they would be great in a 40. I have had experience with this engine in a mercedes and I think it is the best product mercedes ever produced. Its a great engine that pretty much needs only basic maintenance to make it to 500k. Just my 0.02 cents.

4×4 Labs Is making kits to mate it up to GM trannys and now a toyota 5spd. I'd love to do this conversion next.

 

[Kief]

$500 to $650 for a good running read: "needs nothing" swap ready engine. Wouldn't go near one for a 60. Would absolutely run one in a 40.

Why not the Isuzu? More power with same transplant costs as the MB. I am biased in this regards though.

clint

I concur with the isuzu being a better suited motor. I have other options. I just thought I would check this one out as they are abundant around here. I think spending the money on the right motor in good condition is better than fixing a good deal and finding out how expensive that can be.
I got it fired up and was pouring some water in and it came right out- popped freeze plug. I know if I found a popped freeze plug on a 2f I would assume the block was toast. I don't know about this motor and if the freeze plugs really help. The radiator had been swapped but not finished due to poor fit. That is why this rig was parked. I'm going to post it up on Craigslist and see if I can unload it on someone vs. scrapping it out myself.
I guess I just need to hurry up and sell my 80 and get some real parts..

 

[Dougal]

There are many people talking about these engines, but I haven't yet found a swap online into anything bigger than a hilux.
IMO for a hilux in the US they're ideal. I'd expect them to be very slow and thirsty in anything bigger/heavier. Thirsty because you'd have to gear them down to get anywhere. I honestly think the 3B with a small low boost turbo is a far better 40 series engine.

We're waiting in our second year for a guy on pirate to put an OM617 into a landrover.

 

[rtarh2o]

I am about to start on my 78 FJ40, seriously considering the OM617 engine, had a similar engine in my Mercedes G350DT (OM603, 6 cyl)
and loved it.
I am sure the OM617 would be plenty of power for the 40, but I just picked up the frame I am going to use for my project and it has what appears to V-8 engine mounts on it, so now I am considering another 6.2 diesel conversion since I am also very familiar with this engine from my FZJ80 conversion.
I loved that engine as well, it has a lot more torque, is cheaper and easier to purchase as well as cheaper and easier to buy parts for.
I think the 6.2 would probably be more fun to drive but it is a bit noisy, fuel economy isn't as good, the injector pump isn't quite as good with WVO (my reason for the swap) and it likes to run at a much lower rpm than the Mercedes which would require larger than 33" tires which I don't really want.
Decisions, decisions!
It may come down to the same reason as my FZJ80 swap, I wanted to go with the Isuzu then but had no luck finding one, then found the 6.2 just a few miles from my house. Can still get the 6.2 that easily so it might again win out just because of simplicity.
Plan to start a build thread in the next couple weeks
Rusty