Best overland diesel engine replacment

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Wed, 25/07/2012 - 21:54
BigTom
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Location: Glasgow
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I'm a newbie to the G fold having recently bought a LWB 460 280GE auto. I've quickly discovered after checking out this forum, that there's a minefield of options, opinions, information and general issues that go with G ownership. I'm hoping some of you may be able to point me in the right direction regarding an engine choice for the G.

First off I was looking for an overland vehicle that would take me anywhere, and back, in comfort, and with proven mechanical reliability. I went for the G instead of a LR or LC, since it was rated so highly by many hard-core overland travellers. Now I just need to spec and pay for the truck!

It's currently at a G specialist in Malvern getting it's bodywork and mechanicals sorted but I'm now at the curtail stage of choosing which engine and gearbox to install since the 280 falls down on many fronts as an overland engine. Extremely unlikely we'll be close to an MB garage with all the gizmos so it needs to be simple and ideally without, or have minimal electrics. We're likely to be mostly on paved roads and tracks so will need to have the power to keep up and be entertaining in traffic, but also the occasional off-road foray. We'll likely to have it fully laden with roof tent etc, up to 3t.

After some research and advice from specialist garage, options suggested so far:
OM617a - standard 125bhp, mate existing box, old technology but cost effective to install if I can get hold of one!
OM605a from the C250TD - standard 150bhp to +175bhp, mated to E300 4speed box (already purchased) option favoured by G specialist
OM606a from E300TD - standard 174bhp to +400!! not sure of best box (very expensive for likely 15% gain over OM605)
OM662 from Sprinter - standard 120bhp, possibly mate to existing box (cheaper option)

There does not seem to be much on this forum about the OM605a option which is a bit concerning. Is that because nobody rates the engine, or that it's never been done before by anyone? Somebody suggested to me it may not be powerful enough for the proposed weight and probably require a manual box? Would the OM606a be overkill re performance v economy? Very interested to hear any opionions on the choices above or any other suggestions for an engine/gearbox mix that would be up for the job and fairly simple to install.

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Thu, 26/07/2012 - 10:16
#1
tony.bruegger
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Re: Best overland diesel engine replacment

My comment on your well reasoned post....where are you going..? Africa and Middle East know the 617 and 602 engines from the ubiquitous MB mini buses 310 , 410 and sprinter 312 where in many countries they are the backbone of the transport systems.....words like perpetual motion come to mind....ultimate reliability ? 602/603 without turbo [ engines that never die ]
      Of course detractors of these finest of engines claim they do not produce enough power to wear out in which case use turbo i/c versions of  these alloy head s o c hydraulic tappet crossflow diesels.
      I have recycled large numbers of these engines into african markets for reuse , some with up to 300,000 UK miles on them , now  in use 14 hours every day in their second life {Much harder than their first one !!]

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Thu, 26/07/2012 - 10:44
#2
tony.bruegger
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Re: Best overland diesel engine replacment

Oops ! Missed your 662 detail...you can only use 617# with your existing box....part of the job is also getting to the next generation of gearboxes with the starter on the other side....there are many getrag and mb own 5 and 6 speed boxes, flywheels and clutches to mix and match ,

ALL the boxes are good and are well listed on various forums if part no's are your thing

Suppliers like Mercland and Dronsfield {Mcr] charge £250/500 for the lot inc. linkage

BEST option remains buying a 5spd manual car, sometimes hard to find but out there £500 - £???

 I will revise that..you need 2 cars ! Ideal world ? a 250 n/a 5 speed for inj pump AND all throttle linkage as well as clutch , flywheel and gearbox [cheap ] and a Musso TD 662 for the engine [ i.pump not needed] or 250 TD for your 605 engine , The 250 n/a box etc fits 60# engines 5 or 6 cylinder.There are stronger boxes for purists .

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