fuel injection to carb conversion...?

[kentplums]

I get the impression that the Mercedes engines (with certain exceptions) are solid and very durable - but often let down by transmission and electronic issues.
Has there ever been an attempt to convert, for example, an M111 motor to carb and junk all that electronic stuff?
I use the M111 as an example as I have a bit of experience with the basics of it and it is a very simple and sturdy engine. In fact has there ever been a M111 with carb?
Any thoughts or knowlege anyone?
RRRR

 

[190]

I don't know for sure but I suspect the M111 is too new an engine to have ever used carbs. The M102 was available with both carbs and fuel injection but even by then the carbs had become relatively complex devices.

 

[Bellow]

View this as if it were a conversion to LPG.
Ignition (complex control which probably includes knock detection) required and as it is controlled (very probably) by the same ECU that controls fuelling, the fuelling system must be operating too ie, the ECU must 'see' injectors. The injectors cannot just be left in place though as without fuel passing through them they overheat. Probably it is under Lambda (sensor) control also so MOT emissions testing with carb(s) a likely nightmare.

The injection system on an engine of that era isn't anything to worry about - leave that to the owners of cars with really high pressure systems.

 

[Will]

Doesn’t the M111 have electronic cam advance also?

Would be an expensive and pointless backwards step to fit carburettors to a modern engine like this. And as pointed out the majority of other engine electronics for ignition etc would be required anyway.

That will be the reason why you won’t find out much about this.

Personally I would have said the fuel injection side of this engine seems quite reliable, the engines themselves seem okay but I do remember hearing of a few with leaky head gaskets (bolt issues?) and the odd timing chain problems. Early ones used to have problems with the ignition units failing which were quite expensive to replace but this is separate to your carb question of course.