Hi all new here well few questions hope I'm posting in the right section. I might buy a 79 300sd off my buddy for 500 bucks no rust very clean new glow plugs filters and pump. Only problem is on his way home from school she shut off and now sounds like rod knock. I want to say fried piston cuz it has no oil.

I'm good with motors and building but my main question is where can I get pistons and stuff for these cars ?

Thank you
Ryan

 

When it comes to rebuilding an Engine you won't know what you need till you take it apart and examine it.
Turbo Diesel Pistons are extremely hard to find and could be around $450 each; that is right Each if you could locate a source of them.
The replaceable Cylinder Liners are relatively Cheap but need to be bored to the New Pistons.

If you opt to buy a used Engine try to buy one in a Car with a bad Body that you can test Drive. A lot of People buying an Engine sitting on a Pallet out of the Car have bought themselves a used worn out Engine or even a ruined one.

Note: The Turbo Diesel Pistons are different from the Non-turbo ones as is a lot of the Engine itself.
The crankshaft and Flywheel are Balanced together.
But, that is bits and pieces of what I remember from what I have read on the Forums.

Another Note: It is cheaper to check your Oil before you start an Engine or drive a Car you have never driven before.

 

I don't wish to rain on you parade, but if the "motors" you speak of were gas engines, diesels are another story. If the engine was run dry of oil, you are looking at a BLACK HOLE of repair expenses. Pistons, timing chain, crankshaft.....the list can go on and on. As the prior poster stated, if you can pick up a "good" used engine at a fair price, that would be the best way to go. Good luck with whatever you decide.