When an engine is both overheating and losing coolant, you first want to exhaust all possibilities that the cause is something simple or inexpensive to repair. It is possible it might just be a stuck thermostat with a faulty water pump leaking coolant at the same time. When you have checked everything external to no avail, then you may have to open up the engine to find the culprit. It could be just a "blown head gasket" or it could end up being a lot more.... especially if the car has sat idle or driven too much with a known problem.
Product Details
In the previous video in this series, Kent explained testing the cooling system and doing a compression test on an 82 300D. You might want to watch that video to see the background to the problem. Due primarily to the condition of the coolant and the slow leak in the cooling system,it became obvious that the head would have to be removed. Follow along as Kent shows you how to safely remove a 617 diesel cylinder head and inspect the head and the engine block. You will be amazed at what he actually found inside the engine!
He spends time talking about the options you have if you find out the engine is in bad shape and the things you will want to replace on a used diesel engine BEFORE installing it in the car. Finally, he concludes the video by talking about the "moral of the story" and stressing the importance of preventative maintenance if you want your diesel engine to last.
Related Repair Details NOT included: Only the specifics on removing the cylinder head are covered. This is NOT a step by step instruction. It is assumed you know how to remove things like the valve cover, disconnect the radiator, remove the cylinder head bolts, etc. The important things are covered though, particularly how to avoid big mistakes. Instructions on repairing or replacing the cylinder head are NOT included here.
Chassis/Models Used in Production: 1982 300D Turbo
Applies to the Following Chassis/Models: 116, 123, and 126 five cylinder 617 diesel engines. The principles apply indirectly to other diesels like the 615 and 616 but the actual steps of removing the head are specific to the OM617 turbo engine.
Total Run Time: 25:22
How to view this on-demand video:
Once you complete the purchase of this video you will be able to view it immediately when you are logged in and on your personal account page (click on My Account). The video(s) will show up under My Video Manuals. The video is NOT downloadable to your computer or mobile device, but you will be able to view it anytime, from anywhere and from any device as long as you have internet access and you are logged in to your account at mercedessource.com.
Important note: This video manual may or may not include all the information you will need to troubleshoot and/or repair your specific problem/s. Please read the full description carefully to determine if this video is applicable to your year and model and contains the information you are looking for. If not, please refer back to our "Solutions Finder" and enter your chassis number and the specific problem you are having to see if we offer a solution.
Related Products:
Part 1: Diesel Buyer Beware - Engine Overheating and Coolant Loss Problems - On Demand Video
If your engine is just running hot, it may be due to a plugged radiator or possibly a stuck thermostat. If your engine is just losing coolant it could be a leak in the water pump, radiator or hoses.
115 and 123 4 Cylinder Head Gasket Set
New OE Reinz head gasket set. Fits all 240D 1974 to 1983, 4 cylinder diesel. Comes complete with all gaskets only as shown in the picture. Valve stem seals are included.
617 5 Cylinder Turbo Diesel Cylinder Head Bolt Set- USED
Good complete set of star head silver bolts for 617 5 cylinder turbo diesel engines from 1978-1985. These should be replaced with new or good used if your engine has overheated enough to blow a head gasket. A special socket is required. See related products below:
115 123 300D 300CD 300TD Non Turbo Cylinder Head Gasket Set
New OE Reinz head gasket set. Fits all 115 and 123 300D 5 cylinder non-turbo engines 1975 to 1981. Comes complete with all gaskets only as shown in the picture. Valve stem seals and valve cover gasket are NOT included.
617 Turbo 5 Cylinder Diesel Head Gasket Set
New head gasket set. Fits all 5 cylinder TURBO diesel engines only from 1978 to 1985 including 300D, 300CD, 300TD and 300SD. Comes complete with all gaskets only as shown in the picture. Valve stem seals, chain tensioner gasket, thermostat housing gasket, and valve cover gasket are NOT included.
Early 220D 240D 300D 300CD 300TD Non Turbo Automatic Transmission Front Reseal Kit
This kit will include the parts and detailed PDF instructions you will need to repair a front transmission case leak in your 1968 to 1983 NON TURBO diesel automatic.
1981 to 1985 OM617 Turbo Diesel Transmission Front Reseal Kit
This is the most complete front reseal kit on the market today. It includes Kents new IMAGE-BY-IMAGE instructions. That means there is an image for every single step in the operation of replacing these 2 (Yes there are 2!) critical front seals.