long overdue update- pulled the 83 motor and installed an 85 motor. 83 motor is on a stand for future repair and use in some other project. 85 motor out of a 300CD was installed. Very busy summer work season is drawing to a close, so hopefully I can get this SOB up and running. Unfortunately I repla...

If you have the crank out, I suspect you will take it, the flywheel you wanna use, and the Harmonic balancer, all to the machine shop to get balanced as a unit New main and rod bearings perhaps, should run like a top after that ! Just think how great it will be once you have it dialed in eh ?!?! ca...

Well, theres only one real true way to get it right so it runs proper I suppose eh? I know you dont wanna have too, but looks like you might... Yup, crank has to come out. The rear main seal clinched it. To replace that seal I have to damn near remove the crank anyway, so might as well do it right....

More unfortunate news- Ive removed the gearbox again, and I have performed the spin test on the aluminum flywheel, and that too has a definite heavy spot, though not as pronounced as the cast iron stock flywheel. It is not a neutral balance as I had hoped. Since installing the 617, ive driven maybe ...

did a test to see if the stock benz flywheel had a biased balance to it check this out, its got a definite heavy side. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAX6FiShQjQ&feature=youtu.be I was told the aluminum flywheel has a neutral balance, but now thinking on it, im not sure. I can't remember any dri...

So, how DOES Mercedes install the flywheel on the assembly line ????? Not sure if inquiring minds would like to know but what's left of my miniature mind would. I have no real idea, but I figure they bolt the flywheel to a crank early on (or they did, seeing as its 30 years since anyone built these...

This situation really makes you appreciate design elements like that built into our vans. Another one I especially like is the steering shaft on these vans, it only goes in one way and you cannot muck it up as hard as you try. If it had been made by mercedes, it would go in 35 different ways and req...

Well, that is a little better anyway. Sure hope you do get "Lucky" early on. Why in the world did "they" make all the bolt holes alike on an unbalanced crank or a least put in a dowel pin locater. That does NOT seem like good engineering to me. Im not sure, but the Germans alway...

Wow, Pulling out the crank does NOT sound like fun. How many possible positions could that flywheel bolt in at? (how many bolts hold it on) Might be easier to try each position once till it runs smooth. Might be easier that pulling out the crank, but I dunno, just a thought... Can you look at where...

WOW, sorry to hear about the balance problem, that does sound like a cluster. You're for sure right about the looks of the van,,, ACES on that. You clearly know more about this engine than I, but are you sure there isn't a way to figure the balance position for the flywheel? That seems like a very ...

Ok, I have good news, a little more good news, and a serious blunder that will now be very difficult to resolve. good news 1- I have eliminated the metallic noise, there is no more clicking and destruction noises. It seems this was again, the flywheel contacting the adapter plate bolts. good news 2-...

ok, im giving the T5 another try. Reason being is ive been sitting here with the gearbox turning it in all gears, and nothing, feels great. No clicking, no play, no nothing that would cause worry. After I pulled the flywheel, I had a good look at the groove cut in the back by my first problems. I fi...

I was just enjoying the 5 speed in my van, yesterday. Ahhhhh........ Sorry to hear you ran into such a snag.... Hope you find the source of the terrible cannibalism sounds. Not more issues with your b/h adapter plate and pilot bearing adapter is it? The T5 and NV3500 should have the exact same dime...

well, bit of a head scratcher to ponder now. Ive pulled the thing in to dozens of parts again, and I cannot find a single physical issue with the clutch that would be causing the awful noise I heard. like the gearbox starting to eat itself. Ive also finally had a chance to compare the T5 gearbox wit...

so, some developments- I have been in New Venture gearbox mania. I sourced a NV3500 gearbox out of a 1994 chevy 1500 6 banger, and in the process of finding the correct gearbox, also grabbed a 1999 NV1500 out of a 99 S10 4 banger. The original purpose was I couldn't find a non 4x4 NV3500, so was loo...