311 engine swap.

Hi there. I am looking to swap my engine from 02 Sprinter 311 cdi. Engine code 611981. Am i Right in thinking that any engine from a 311 with the same code will work from year 2000 to 2006. Is there anything to be aware of with a swap like this?
I was also wondering if i could put an engine in from a 313 cdi (2000-2006) code 611983. Would i need to swap over the ECM.
Would this be a problem If the donor vehicle has some different systems like ABS which my vehicle doesn't. I've read i would have to change over the immobilizer on the steering column.
Thanks Mike

IIRC, every MB from this century has to have the engine ECU coded by STAR system to accept a different engine, dash, transmission, immobilizer, ECU ,etc. It won't be a simple switch, all electronics must be switched together, or the ECM must be programmed for the changed component

If you are swapping the ECU, the skreem module (back of the cluster) must be swapped. The same goes for the RFID chips in the donor keys. Otherwise you will need to have a dealer reprogram the new skreem to match your existing chips in the keys.

The donor vehicle needs to have the same options (abs/esp, AC etc). If it doesn't a dealer will need to SCN recode the new ECU to prevent issues.

What gets connected to the wire harness with a different engine? Basically it is injectors, high press fuel pump, turbo vane positioner, engine temperature, boost pressures, air filter box sensors. etc. With the exception of the injectors all of those parts can be swapped out on a T1N without the new parts being introduced or coded to the ECM aka ECU.

I may be forgetting some things, but I believe that when an identical engine complete is being swapped in the ECM aka ECU should be fine. The injector squirts may need to adjust over time, but it should bolt in and run.

The rear differential ratio is hard programmed, but that won't change.

Am I missing something?

vic

Thanks for getting back promptly. So to avoid hassle put in another 311 engine with the same code and it should be a fairly straight forward swap.
If i did want to put in a 313 the minimum i would need to swap is the screem unit and get the keys re-coded. But if the donor vehicle had other options like abs,esp ac etc they would need to be swapped as well or ECM would need to be SCN? re-coded. So things like the ABS aren't a standalone system independent from the ECM. There would be a conflict if there's no response from the missing ABS etc.
How much does recoding an ECU cost out of interest and would fitting ABS be a major hassle (i think it probably would).

I'm beginning to get confused.

Is this a complete engine only swap from one same model and year Sprinter to another identical Sprinter? If yes, then the ABS aka CAB, ESP, A/C stay in place with the first van/ECU that has the trashed engine. The "new" engine is separate from those other modules.

To my knowledge the A/C not being there won't prevent the engine from operating. I should think that the A/C would swap over to the replacement engine anyway. The compressor should be bolt on equipment.

I can't answer for a 311 replaced with a 313 engine. If they are both 2.1L 4 cylinder engines of the same vintage and HP then it should work, but that needs to be verified.

vic

ABS on a non ABS van would require fitting wheel speed sensors, a fair bit of wiring, and some changes to the brake lines. Not hard, but time consuming.

SCN coding is the process by which a STAR diagnostic machine connects to the mercedes home server in order to get a special code to change programming options on the computer modules. It varies by dealer, but if you find one who knows that htey are doing, it should only take an hour or two of shop time. I would verify beforehand though! Some well equipped independent mercedes specialists will have the STAR system with correct subscription to do the SCN coding.

Midwestdrifter said:

ABS on a non ABS van would require fitting wheel speed sensors, a fair bit of wiring, and some changes to the brake lines. Not hard, but time consuming.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately it's not that easy! In typical MB style if a system was not specified then nothing that relates to that system will be fitted.

I have a 2004 UK spec T1N with NO ABS and there are not even holes in the hubs or tone rings on the driveshafts to allow me to upgrade to ABS. Let alone start refitting ABS bricks, extra brake lines, etc, etc.

In my case it would require a pair of new front hubs, a new rear axle and then the ABS brick and booster pump, not something I was prepared to do even when we bought the MH when it was only four years old!

My advice, find an exact match 311 CDi engine and just swap the engine. Otherwise you will end up with a very expensive lawn ornament as Dennis would say.

Keith.

PS Where are you located? I'm guessing not USA as you refer to 311 CDi which was never sold there.

Yeah. What I was wondering is if a 313 engine goes in a 311. Then the ECM has to get swapped from the other van because its different horsepower is what i understand from the other posts. The skreem has to be swapped. Then other bits have to be swapped as well like abs etc because the computer says no or the ecu has to get reprogrammed. Also i'm wondering if the only difference between the 311 and the 313 is more turbo and more fuel. They look like the same engine so maybe the 311 ECM will run the 313 but just with lower horsepower?
Whats the easy way to verify same vintage and horsepower, engine no?
Cheers Mike.

I believe the 311 and 313 use the same core engine. The power mapping is determined by the ECU and injectors. I would also bet the fuel pump and turbo are the same. To be safe it would be best to confirm all the accessories are the same, otherwise you will be swapping everything over from your old engine.

I know that the OM611 is listed in the build sheets with several "power levels". If you pull your build sheet it will tell you the engine type and possible options.

I thought the abs swap would be a pain. Yes im in the Uk. Plenty of older 311s about luckily more than anything else.
Just missed one a little while ago only had 134000 on it!
Is the engine number fairly easy to find on the engine i'm thinking it would be in a similar position to the 5 cylinder.
My Engines got 380000 on it and is breathing heavily. Only just scraped through the emissions on the MOT yearly inspection. Not sure it will get through next year. Thats why i'm sourcing another Engine and any other spares I can get.

You can put a 313 engine in and just run it with your 311 ECU, as long as you change over the different stuff like maybe the turbo. Then you just run it with your stock ECU and it will act just like a 311. So by putting just the 313 bare engine in your van you will just be de-rating it to a 311.

I would look for a 311 though, or 308/208. Because they will have been less stressed than the 313 all else being equal.