2006 freightliner columbia with a mercedes motor om-460

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by newimagetransportation, Feb 23, 2013.

  1. newimagetransportation

    newimagetransportation Bobtail Member

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    Feb 23, 2013
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    I am purchasing a Columbia 2006 with this Mercedes Engine OM-460. Can anyone pass on some tips for this motor. I have owned everything else but not this one. Like any problems to be aware of. approx fuel mileage. Can they be rebuilt. General answers I cannot find anything online regarding there motors.

    Thanks in advance,

    Mark
     
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  3. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    Mo Via Blackpool,Lancs.
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    I got my '06 in July of 05 after spec'ing it out myself.
    They had some teething troubles, but overall has been a good motor and good MPG. I am plated for 117k, so you should get better than me!
    There are power boosters available if the power feels low to you.
    First thing to do, is replace the injector nozzles in the heads. Cheap part that can cost an engine rebuild.
    Yes they can be rebuilt without issue.
    Try to get the turbo brake instead of the exhaust brake, works a LOT better.
    Head gaskets should have been done under warranty, as well as most other weakness' they had.
    EGR is super easy to block off for more reliability and lower EGT's.
    A 13 speed is a requirement with them IMHO, to give it the gearing it wants to stay in the power.
    Heads are individual, making a HG job a doddle. I had all 6 replaced last year when 1 started weeping coolant, along with new nozzles. Under $3k out the door IIRC.
    Get the ECM setup/programmed by Detroit, or someone that knows these engines. If someone has been in there, like fleet mechanics etc, and screwed with the settings, they wont run right. With factory programming though, it should be fine.

    Martin
     
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  4. newimagetransportation

    newimagetransportation Bobtail Member

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    Feb 23, 2013
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    Martin,

    Thanks for the info, I feel better about the truck already. I will get into someone that can make sure the settings on the ecm are good.

    Thanks,

    Mark
     
  5. workin' for a livin'

    workin' for a livin' Bobtail Member

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    Feb 17, 2013
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    A Benz engine is real easy on fuel. They feel like they lack power if you dont have the gears. overall good strong dependable engines. Hope it doesnt have an autoshift. good luck
     
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  6. newimagetransportation

    newimagetransportation Bobtail Member

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    Feb 23, 2013
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  7. jbourque

    jbourque Heavy Load Member

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    south english iowa
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    if they are that great of a motor how come they are not going to make them anymore? an if you look at used trucks how come they are priced so much cheaper than the other trucks with cummins, cat or detroit motors? and if you look at the big carriers see what type of motors they are running. lots of luck with your truck purchase
     
  8. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    Do you have ANY direct experience with ownership? Or just believe everything you read on the internet?
    They no longer make S60's neither, or N14's, 3406's,and so on. Were they junk engines too in your uninformed opinion?
    They are cheaper because they were "new" so to speak, and folks were scared of them. Detroit, Cat, Cummins, all known over here in the USA. MBE? Not so much.
    Sorry bud, being from England and having owned Mercedes engines before folks here even heard of them, I dare say I speak from just a "little" more direct experience than yourself.

    OP, You may wish to rephrase your posting to asking for opinions from experienced owners only, as I also believe that fleet drivers have little experience with them neither, besides what their so called "mechanics" had to say about them.

    Martin

     
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  9. jbourque

    jbourque Heavy Load Member

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    south english iowa
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    my name not bud its jon and who pooped in your fish and chips
     
  10. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    Mo Via Blackpool,Lancs.
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    Nobody at all Jon. Just annoys me when folks post inaccurate information that mostly comes from the internerd, and not real world experience of ownership.
    I have over 850k miles on the 12.8 MBE, so should have a vague idea what I am talking about:biggrin_25525:
    I much prefer meat pie chips n gravy anyways....

    Martin
     
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  11. jbourque

    jbourque Heavy Load Member

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    south english iowa
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    just annoys me when someone has vague information on mountain driving with that type of motor. the minute you hit the mountains your fuel drops to zero and you will be the last one to the top. plus they have a real problem with with coolant leaking around the heads, if you pull on them to hard. and i dont care what you think a turd is a turd and that motor is a turd for a class 8 truck
     
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