newb says hi and has a few questions.
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
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1989 560 SEL
newb says hi and has a few questions.
hi all,
My name is Cole and I am the proud new owner of a 1989 560SEL. The car is in great shape for a midwest car (zero rust on top or underneath) and it still wears it's original paint which shines good. The downside is that the passenger side cam is shot (worn lobes) and needs replacement. Is there a fairly cheap source of parts for this repair (camshaft etc...).
I don't mind fixing it, but I would rather do a diesel swap.
Have any of you ever swapped in a diesel in place of your gas engine? I realize the easiest way to do this would be buy a donor vehicle and swap everything over, I am just wondering if it's a fairly straight forward swap. I know that I could just as easily sell this car and buy an SDL, but this car is in really good shape and I bought it "right". Anyway, what do you guys think, fix the existing gas engine, or diesel swap (and yes mpg is important to me so this is another factor). thanks in advance for your replies. Cole
My name is Cole and I am the proud new owner of a 1989 560SEL. The car is in great shape for a midwest car (zero rust on top or underneath) and it still wears it's original paint which shines good. The downside is that the passenger side cam is shot (worn lobes) and needs replacement. Is there a fairly cheap source of parts for this repair (camshaft etc...).
I don't mind fixing it, but I would rather do a diesel swap.
Have any of you ever swapped in a diesel in place of your gas engine? I realize the easiest way to do this would be buy a donor vehicle and swap everything over, I am just wondering if it's a fairly straight forward swap. I know that I could just as easily sell this car and buy an SDL, but this car is in really good shape and I bought it "right". Anyway, what do you guys think, fix the existing gas engine, or diesel swap (and yes mpg is important to me so this is another factor). thanks in advance for your replies. Cole
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
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1989 560 SEL
1. Is there a specific place I should get the camshaft from?
2. Also, I guess I need the rockers as well?
3. Is there anything else I should need other than a new valve cover gasket?
The number two lobe looks like someone took a grinding wheel to it for about an hour (worst I have ever seen). The motor seems to hold wonderful oil pressure and starts up OK (little hard as you can imagine with a really worn camshaft).
4. Should I tear it down futher, or is it normal to just replace the camshaft, rockers, and go?
Thanks for the help, keep it coming.
2. Also, I guess I need the rockers as well?
3. Is there anything else I should need other than a new valve cover gasket?
The number two lobe looks like someone took a grinding wheel to it for about an hour (worst I have ever seen). The motor seems to hold wonderful oil pressure and starts up OK (little hard as you can imagine with a really worn camshaft).
4. Should I tear it down futher, or is it normal to just replace the camshaft, rockers, and go?
Thanks for the help, keep it coming.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
Have you done a pressure and leakdown test?
Also, have you checked the timing chain? It very well may be time for a new chain and tensioners (especially if it has been 100k miles or more).
Have you determined what caused the wear on that cam lobe? I would concern myself with addressing that issue.
You can get the camshaft from anywhere as long as it is in good condition and has been well cared for (not dropped, etc).
If the rockers are in good condition I cannot see why they would need replacing, but I am sure others will be more definitive on this.
Also, have you checked the timing chain? It very well may be time for a new chain and tensioners (especially if it has been 100k miles or more).
Have you determined what caused the wear on that cam lobe? I would concern myself with addressing that issue.
You can get the camshaft from anywhere as long as it is in good condition and has been well cared for (not dropped, etc).
If the rockers are in good condition I cannot see why they would need replacing, but I am sure others will be more definitive on this.
