1980 300d engine failure/replacement
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1980 300D
1980 300d engine failure/replacement
My 300d started running really rough one morning as I pulled on the interstate. Within half a mile things were rapidly falling apart. I made it to the next exit and pulled into a parking lot. When I hoped out of the car I looked under the engine and saw a hole about an inch across on the bottom side of the engine. What remained of the oil was quickly pouring out.
I could not get a trailer to pull it home with all the wheels on the trailer but instead had to use the tow dolly that lifts up just the front two wheels.
When I arrived home I found the (pardon I don't know the proper name) drive shaft going from the differential to the right rear wheel had come out of the differential. It must have happened right by home as there's hardly a mark on it
My questions are:
1) How difficult is an engine replacement as I have found a complete working engine I could buy? (Know of any how to's on line?)
2) Is the problem with part coming out of the differential indicating some other massive problem occurred?
I could not get a trailer to pull it home with all the wheels on the trailer but instead had to use the tow dolly that lifts up just the front two wheels.
When I arrived home I found the (pardon I don't know the proper name) drive shaft going from the differential to the right rear wheel had come out of the differential. It must have happened right by home as there's hardly a mark on it
My questions are:
1) How difficult is an engine replacement as I have found a complete working engine I could buy? (Know of any how to's on line?)
2) Is the problem with part coming out of the differential indicating some other massive problem occurred?
Banned
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,116
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From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
You're going to have to replace the entire drivetrain.
The transmission cannot be towed with the rear wheels on the ground, doing so will destroy it.
As a result there was so much strain on the differential failed as well, causing the axle's c-clip to come off and allowing the axle to come out.
The transmission cannot be towed with the rear wheels on the ground, doing so will destroy it.
As a result there was so much strain on the differential failed as well, causing the axle's c-clip to come off and allowing the axle to come out.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Cebu Philippines
w108 '67 250S,w123 '77 280ce, w123 '85 300DT, w126 '85 300SDT, W140 '94 S600, w210 '97 E230
yikes looks like you have destroyed the pinion gears inside you differential, it is very difficult to remove the c clip that locks the drive shaft, i think you need to rebuild or buy a used diff, and as for the engine its a straight fit if you buy another 617 engine. diesels have less electrical wires than gas engine mercs
Banned
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,116
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From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
A differential will not be damaged by driving it backwards.
The transmission is damaged by lack of lubrication. The rear pump can produce enough flow/pressure to get into gear and roll start the engine, but it doesn't flow enough to keep the internals lubricated at sustained speeds.
The transmission is damaged by lack of lubrication. The rear pump can produce enough flow/pressure to get into gear and roll start the engine, but it doesn't flow enough to keep the internals lubricated at sustained speeds.
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From: Santa Monica, CA
2010 ML350 4MATIC
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Banned
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,116
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From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
That is false. The differential will not be harmed at all.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,489
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From: WNY
2005 w203 C230
You can buy mine!
(Seriously though…I am saddened to read your story – I hope it all works out…I don’t think it would be too hard to swap everything over…a weekend job. I turned a G60 Corrado into a VR6 with a few friends over Labor Day Weekend…and that was a conversion!)
(I do believe that the Manual...or a Manual states Neutral in short distance at low speed...and to disconnect the intermediate (From carrier bearing to differential) shaft for longer / higher speed tows.)
(Seriously though…I am saddened to read your story – I hope it all works out…I don’t think it would be too hard to swap everything over…a weekend job. I turned a G60 Corrado into a VR6 with a few friends over Labor Day Weekend…and that was a conversion!)
(I do believe that the Manual...or a Manual states Neutral in short distance at low speed...and to disconnect the intermediate (From carrier bearing to differential) shaft for longer / higher speed tows.)
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From: NY baby
85 300D(the trusted), 97 E420(the ticketed)
I've heard all the scary things about towing destroys the drivetrain also. But I towed a 240d form hartford ct back to yonkers ny and thats over a 100 miles and about 2 hours of highway speed and my 240 had a 125xxx miles when towed and about 345xxx miles when the body got two rusty to drive anymore and I never had any trouble with the trans or rear. I also towed a 300d back form long island which is almost the same distance as hartford and I never had a problem with the drivetrain on that car. I'm not saying its ok to do this, just that it didn't destroy my cars. But if your worried about towing you could always tow it from the rear.
