Readers to this blog know that I have had a couple of OM617 engines both turbo and naturally aspirated. I love these engines! While they don't put out much in the way of power, they are extremely reliable, easy to work on and virtually bullet proof.
If you have one, here are four simple things you should do:
1. Keep the fuel filters clean.
When I got "The Turtle" it was way underpowered and seemed to lose power on even the smallest hill. This is common for the little 3L diesel, but it just felt starved. Replacing both the primary and main fuel filters was an instant cure. Remember older cars may have small flakes of stuff in the fuel tank so changing at least the primary filter often is a good idea. This is easy to do and does not cost much.
2. Clean Prechambers
Removing the glow plugs and reaming the prechambers is kind of a pain, but a couple hours under the hood and you will see a huge performance in cold starts and much smoother running engine.
3. Adjust those Valves
These engines don't self-adjust like newer engines do. I've gotten into the habit of taking my trucks into a good independent local Mercedes shop and having them adjust the valves couple of years. You could do it yourself but my shop does not charge that much. The engine sounds better, starts better, runs smoother and gets better gas mileage.
4. Diesel Purge
Running some diesel purge through your engine, especially high mileage ones, will clean that carbon from the fuel system, help keep the prechambers clean and restore performance. When you first get your OM617 powered car, run two cans through it and do a single can purge again every year thereafter. Remember to change your fuel filter after the purge. There will be TONS of gunk freed up during the process. CLICK HERE for detailed instructions on how to diesel purge an OM617.
5. ALDA on the OM617a Turbo
If you have an OM617, make sure the ALDA is clean and working. You can even look at doing an adjustment. CLICK HERE for instructions and more info.
I bet the previous owners of the trucks I've purchased would have never sold them if they performed these simple four steps on their OM617 power plants. Together, these simple maintenance tips will make you fall in love with your 300 again.
If you have one, here are four simple things you should do:
1. Keep the fuel filters clean.
When I got "The Turtle" it was way underpowered and seemed to lose power on even the smallest hill. This is common for the little 3L diesel, but it just felt starved. Replacing both the primary and main fuel filters was an instant cure. Remember older cars may have small flakes of stuff in the fuel tank so changing at least the primary filter often is a good idea. This is easy to do and does not cost much.
2. Clean Prechambers
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| Prechamber Reamer |
3. Adjust those Valves
These engines don't self-adjust like newer engines do. I've gotten into the habit of taking my trucks into a good independent local Mercedes shop and having them adjust the valves couple of years. You could do it yourself but my shop does not charge that much. The engine sounds better, starts better, runs smoother and gets better gas mileage.
4. Diesel Purge
Running some diesel purge through your engine, especially high mileage ones, will clean that carbon from the fuel system, help keep the prechambers clean and restore performance. When you first get your OM617 powered car, run two cans through it and do a single can purge again every year thereafter. Remember to change your fuel filter after the purge. There will be TONS of gunk freed up during the process. CLICK HERE for detailed instructions on how to diesel purge an OM617.
5. ALDA on the OM617a Turbo
If you have an OM617, make sure the ALDA is clean and working. You can even look at doing an adjustment. CLICK HERE for instructions and more info.
I bet the previous owners of the trucks I've purchased would have never sold them if they performed these simple four steps on their OM617 power plants. Together, these simple maintenance tips will make you fall in love with your 300 again.
Ari, do you have to remove the Valve Cover on this OM617 engine to access the Glow Plugs? Or put it in another way, what components are in the way and have to be remove to gain access?
ReplyDeleteThe glow plugs are just under the injectors on the driver's side of the engine. You do not have to remove the valve cover. They have wires attached to the poing. They kind of look like spark plugs.
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