1964 mercedes diesel 4 speed manual optimization.

[user removed]

I doubt a couple of pounds of boost would be any problem. I would first make sure everything was optimal, especially the break open point of the injectors which should be about 1800 PSI. I think you said something about that but I found the benz injectors just needed new springs or shimming to get the pressure up from 13-1500 to the factory new 1800 + spec which means much better atomization. Also make sure the throttle position is correct and you get max throttle. Seen that on a later 240 and it took forever to get that one to 60 MPH. The customer was astounded when he drove the car after we added about 40% throttle position although amazing still means a long time to 60 MPH, but that was in the Florida Keys with route 1 being the highest speed limit road at 45-55 MPH for 100 miles and traffic so heavy you were better off turning right and then making a u turn instead of waiting 10 minutes to make a left turn.

regards
Mech

[bondvagabond]

Ford rangers/explorers are notorious for getting the the throttle cable stretched out. putting a zip tie around the end of the cable to shorten it is known as the 50 cent 50hp mod. Will check that when the car get's dropped off thursday.

I promise that I am not interested in turbo's for hp though. I really am only interested in adding one if it will help Fuel efficiency.

Okay, I'm going to try to pin you down old mechanic. How many lbs of boost can I run without changing internals?

Would I get any mpg increase at that boost or a lesser boost?

What common junkyard turbo would be best for my Fuel effiency application? Fabricating up a manifold to make it fit is not an issue, and these old fintails have lots of room under the hood for routing, so could use whatever you guys recommend for optimum mpg. I am guessing it wont be off of a 300td mercedes, because of the engine size/hp difference.

[bondvagabond]

okay, I've been a little turbocentric. I should off course go for the low hanging fruit first.

Basics of course:

High tire pressure

rear wheel skirts

weight reduction?

belly pan

optimize axle gear ratio

Fuel efficiency instrumentation: As far as I know the only option here is a garmin gps designed for offshore boats. Gps gives you distance, and an integrated diesel flow meter that sends signals to the gps unit to give fuel volume/distance. 600 clams! If anyone else knows a cheaper option that would be sweet.

Bonus points for ideas that don't detract from the sweet fintail styling.

[ron]

now days people are installing turbos on all kinds of rice burners, you could ask what they are using if you have to have one. that being said volvo has a turbo on the 80s wagons. I helpen my buddy replace the bearings on his a few years ago should be a junkyard full of them by now.

[Domman56]

If you just wanted to Add a turbo you woud be safest going with a turbo from a newer 300D and going to an actual Mercedes Mechanic to have the setup done. Sadly you're in Oregon Otherwise I'd refer you to my Mechanic back in CA. However like Old Mechanic stated There was a bit of work done to the turboed motors to hold up to the extra pressure. If you really wanted a big boost in power and FE it's really not to hard to find an 80's 300D that's body is totaled and take the whole drivetrain out of it for under 1500 usually.

[tjts1]

You're not going to gain MPG by adding a turbo. Sorry. Several people have experimented with wiring the wastegate open for long highway drive to reduce back pressure and improve FE at low load. Its worth about 10-15% improvement depending on how your exhaust is setup. Check the MB forums for more info.

If you're going to go to the trouble of swapping engines you might as well find the newer OM601/02/03 cross flow engines found in the W201 and W124. These engines are substantially more efficient than the OM616 and OM617. Even a non turbo OM601 will be a big improvement from your current 55hp.

[bondvagabond]

I think I will go through all the FE basics before I worry about trying to build a turbo set up for it.

Picked up the parts for a "tube inside a tube" heat exchanger. This should be all the heat I need for my envisioned 1.5 tank wvo setup. I am going to use the factory tank for regular diesel, or wvo. When I use the factory tank for wvo I will start up and cool down on a small 2.5 Gallon tank of regular pump diesel.

[bondvagabond]

Originally Posted by tjts1

You're not going to gain MPG by adding a turbo. Sorry. Several people have experimented with wiring the wastegate open for long highway drive to reduce back pressure and improve FE at low load. Its worth about 10-15% improvement depending on how your exhaust is setup. Check the MB forums for more info.

If you're going to go to the trouble of swapping engines you might as well find the newer OM601/02/03 cross flow engines found in the W201 and W124. These engines are substantially more efficient than the OM616 and OM617. Even a non turbo OM601 will be a big improvement from your current 55hp.

So turbo no good, but big exhaust would help? How big for optimal mpg? what about a home made header? optimal runner diameter? Optimal runner length?

Any idea if any of those more modern engines you mentioned would bolt right up to a 64 or 65 4 speed manual on the column? I've got a parts car with a blown gas motor, maybe I will max out the nice one with the stock engine, and throw whichever modern motor you think is optimum for the parts car.

[tjts1]

On my 87 OM603 turbo I have a 3" interior diameter straight through exhaust to a really obnoxious magnaflow muffler thanks to the previous owner. Stock exhaust was 2.75" with trap oxydizer, resonator and muffler. Not exactly ideal. A 2.5" + muffler should be more than enough for your engine.
Your transmission won't bolt up to OM60x engine, you'll need to get the 5 spd too. OM601 was most likely to find a manual.

[bondvagabond]

Originally Posted by tjts1

A 2.5" + muffler should be more than enough for your engine.
.

Do diesels benefit in FE with a certain type of header? either short or long tube? I know for gas engines it is a pretty simple equation to tune a header shape for a specific engine size and rpm. I welded up one for a geo metro that was tuned for peak torque, which is generally the engines most efficient rpm. I would gladly do the same for the little fintail diesel if it would help.

What year range and model of mercedes were most likely to have the more efficient turbodiesel with the 5 speed manual?

Thanks again guys for all the input, the car rolls in on thursday, then I will get some pics up.