In the 244/245 Series, the D24 I-6 Diesel was available in 1981-1985. The trim level was above the DL, about as fancy at the GL.

It was in the time that gasoline prices were rising, and Diesel fuel was cheaper. It was supposed to get much better fuel efficiency. Even Oldsmobile came out with a Diesel V-8 during that time.

The engine is heavier that the I-4, so the front springs are stiffer. That's what makes the car a candidate for a V-8 conversion.

Problem, besides low horsepower, was that the cam was driven by a belt that could fail. With the 19:1 compression ratio needed for a Diesel, belt failure ws always engine demolition. I had a friend who lost one that way - camshaft broke into five pieces and the crank was twisted.

It was a VW truck engine, with the VW logo clearly visible on the block.

There was a turbo-diesel offered in the 700 Series, which owners of them still like a lot. More power, and run OK. Only a few left. At least one Brickboarder has one.

Diesel engines are very well suited to constant speed operation, as in power generation. Lotsa gears to make them OK in long-haul trucks. OK in Diesel-electric railroad locomotives. In those applications, barring fuel injection pumps, they are easy to work on. No carbies, just air. Tricky to start, what with glow plugs and such, but run forever once running. Mercedes-Benz has used them for decades.

Regards,

Bob

:>)