3.0L Mercedes TURBO DIESEL into 1994 YJ

hulkgreen · 08-11-2009, 07:23 PM

I started looking into this about 6 months ago and I explored 2 different cummins 4 cyl diesels , but could not have all the creature comforts that my YJ came from the factory with !! I did not want to source a vacuum pump for the brakes ; nor did I want to ditch the A/C ( here in south Louisiana) ; I found out with one of the two Cummins you have to fabricate power steering brakets and a bunch of other essentials ( Not on my list of things to do )!! I also did not want to spend $$ THOUSANDS on adapter brackets and other essential parts to make it fit into my Jeep !! If I get real energetic and decide to I can connect the cruise control unit !!

I am following along in a few other mens footsteps . SO I can tell you this combo will get 32 MPG if you drive like a grandma and 23 MPG is you drive it EVERYWHERE like you STOLE IT !! So I went with one of the MOST reliable Diesels to EVER be put into a MOTOR VEHICLE !!! The 1984 Mercedes 3.0L , 5 cylinder TURBO DIESEL !! I have been working at this project for over a month ( as work permitted and my health ( since I am having degenerative disc disease problems ) I decided to go with the AX-15 Bellhousing and just clearance part of the Oil Pan ( although that is not exactly what I wanted to do !)

SO ......... Follow along ....... IF you want ...............

!!!!!!!!!!!

I started by purchasing the whole vehicle .... so I would source anything I possibly could from the donor car !!! It is a 1984 Mercedes 300 D ; with a 5 cylinder 3.0L TURBO DIESEL. It only has 142,000 miles on the odometer ; in an engine known to get in excess of 500,000 miles ( with proper maintenance and adjustments it is WELL KNOWN to get 750,000 miles ; before ANY major problems arise !!!

hulkgreen · 08-11-2009, 07:28 PM

I originally wanted to use a '98 Dodge Dakota bell housing since it would move the starter to the drivers side and away from the heat of the turbo's exhaust , but my machinist flipped the mock up " over " and made it so I had to use the AX-15's bell housing !!

antec · 08-11-2009, 07:37 PM

looking good i have subcrid to this thread keep it coming.

**YJake** · 08-11-2009, 08:13 PM

I found one of those engines at a pick and pull last week.

I just coulden't justify walkign out with it.

I wish you luck in your conversion!

Smithy · 08-11-2009, 09:10 PM

Awesome swap! Can't wait for updates!

Brandon

UltimateCC · 08-11-2009, 09:22 PM

interesting swap for sure, im subscribed

Shock96 · 08-11-2009, 09:52 PM

I have always wondered about this swap. Bring it on!

**Tom95YJ** · 08-11-2009, 09:57 PM

Keep us posted on this swap. It is different, some may call it odd.

My question is arent parts hard to come by for this engine ?

**Mean Max** · 08-11-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom95YJ

My question is arent parts hard to come by for this engine ?

I would say absolutely not. The M-B diesels of that era were as popular worldwide as the Chevy smallblock was here in the U.S.! Those things are everywhere, and were probably made by the millions!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OM617_engine

http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2009/01/01/hmn_feature19.html

http://4x4labs.com/productspecs/dieselFAQ.html

Great thread!

Max

**Fernando** · 08-11-2009, 11:27 PM

Awesome thread, one question, isn't this engine a bit under powered for a jeep? was reading Max's link and it seems a bit weak at 90 hp and 170 lb/ft...

Just wondering, no ill will intended, project looks awesome and the engine is certainly reliable

**JFranko** · 08-11-2009, 11:30 PM

My dad used to have one with 360,000 miles, and it ran like a champ. He ended up selling it, and I wasn't able to convince him to let me put the engine into my Jeep.

BlackRhino · 08-12-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fernando

Awesome thread, one question, isn't this engine a bit under powered for a jeep? was reading Max's link and it seems a bit weak at 90 hp and 170 lb/ft...

Just wondering, no ill will intended, project looks awesome and the engine is certainly reliable

The 4-cyl has about the same horsepower and a lot less torque.

Alvy · 08-12-2009, 04:58 AM

This sounds like a very do-able swap that seems way more economical than some other diesel swaps. Do you have any info yet on an adapter plate to mate the Dakota bell to the engine or will it be custom? I may be wrong but I think an updated version of the Mercedes 5 cylinder diesel still used now in the Sprinter Vans? This sounds cool, I'm subscribing.

**stu1021** · 08-12-2009, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fernando

Awesome thread, one question, isn't this engine a bit under powered for a jeep? was reading Max's link and it seems a bit weak at 90 hp and 170 lb/ft...

Just wondering, no ill will intended, project looks awesome and the engine is certainly reliable

Actually, his 85 would be rated at 125HP and 170ft/lbs.

I have an 87 300D turbo. It is a 3.0 6cyl. and the factory spec is 145 HP and 195 ft/lbs. Since these older mercedes are mechanical injection, it is fairly easy to adjust fuel flow and with an adjustable dump valve you can adjust boost pressure as well. If you want to burn a little more fuel, you can easily up the power output.
I have owned the car for the last 12 years and my son now drives it to high school. It has close to 300k on it and still runs strong.

That1guy · 08-12-2009, 09:30 AM

Sweet! Crawled!

08-11-2009, 07:37 PM	#3
antec Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 729 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	looking good i have subcrid to this thread keep it coming.

08-11-2009, 09:52 PM	#7
Shock96 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 34 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I have always wondered about this swap. Bring it on!