Its time to decide how to proceed with a cylinder head rebuild, as the #14 in my 86 300SDL with 221,000 mi has cracks.

If money weren't an issue, I would definitely go the #17 route.

So, I'd first like to know what additional parts are needed if I do use the #17.
New pre-chambers?
New injectors?
New injector supply lines?

There is a $250 price differential in the asking price for the #14 vs #17.

If I'm not realistically expected more than a couple of years enjoyment out of it, can I justify the extra expense?

Purchased a straight and clean Silver with Blue interior last September for $2900 hoping not to run into such a major expense, but I let myself get seduced by the comfort of the ride and the boost in interior room over my 85 300D.

I've put $1000 in already on new filters, new Michelin tires, new battery, new brake pads, brake fluid flush, new voltage regulator, new rear muffler, new front bearings and races, new engine and transmission mounts. Still need to get to the rear pinion seal and a transmission flush to potentially resolve the 2nd to 3rd gear flair, and fix the e brake pedal release mechanism.

So, how much more would opting for the #17 add to the cost?

I'm amazed at the knowledge found on this forum and very grateful for the willingness to lend a hand.

The hardlines can be modified, but why not get the right ones if you can. Yes to question #1 and #2.. Also, I believe you can use a OM606 head gasket if I am not mistaken.

I believe you have to add a hole or two for oil passages to use a 606 gasket. Jeemu posted a link to a thread on hevosoima a couple years ago about how to do it. Its very doable but not a drop in replacement.

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68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500

Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i

I would stick with the 603 gasket unless you want power. Pretty sure a #17 doesnt have vertical injectors and doesnt require anything else. Am I wrong?

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I found this previous discussion:
1987 300SDL installing #17 head, anything I should know?

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
No longer selling Cluster Needles Paint
No longer selling New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

Not looking to pile on $$, but this is a good time to swap in a fresh water pump easily. I learned that the hard way (is there any other way) just a few months after rebuilding my car's head. And you might want to search Sixto's postings on 603 head rebuilding, like in the one linked above. His guidance really worked for me. Good luck.

John

87 300TD #20 head 330K