Miniature of a head gasket for Mercedes OM366

Keychain – Head Gasket for Mercedes OM366

The Mercedes OM366 is the big straight-six diesel of the 300-series family, introduced in the 1980s for medium-duty trucks, Unimogs and special-purpose vehicles. Around 6.0 litres of displacement, six cylinders in line, direct injection and variants ranging from naturally aspirated OM366N to turbocharged and intercooled OM366LA – it’s the engine many associate with Unimog 427/437 models, municipal implement carriers and export trucks working hard all over the world. This keychain turns the OM366 head gasket into a finely detailed stainless-steel miniature.

Under the skin, the OM366 uses a heavy cast-iron block, overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a mechanical inline injection pump. The range covers naturally aspirated, turbocharged and charge-air-cooled versions to suit everything from Unimog U1350L and U1550L to various medium trucks and industrial applications. The philosophy is simple: lots of low-end torque, long service life and a level of mechanical honesty that you can understand with basic tools and a workshop manual instead of a laptop.

In day-to-day wrenching, the talking points are classic diesel basics: keeping fuel and air filters fresh, using good oil at sensible intervals, making sure the radiator and cooling system stay clean and adjusting valve clearances when required. The injection pump rewards clean fuel and sensible fuelling, the turbo likes proper warm-up and cool-down, and most owners will tell you that chassis and bodywork usually give up long before a well-maintained OM366 does.

Among enthusiasts the OM366 has become the backbone of many working and travelling rigs: Unimog 427/437 trucks built into expedition campers, U1350L and U1550L in winter service or municipal roles, MB-trac conversions with straight-six soundtrack and medium-duty trucks destined for overland routes in Africa or South America. At Unimog meets, classic truck shows or somewhere on a remote piste, the sound of a loaded OM366 pulling through the revs is instantly recognisable.

This head-gasket keychain is a small stainless tribute to that engine – just right for the keys to your Unimog, MB-trac or OM366-powered truck, and a spot-on gift for someone who hears “366 LA” and immediately thinks of boost, charge-air coolers and long climbs in low gears. On the surface it’s a clean piece of metal; on a second look it’s a clear signal that you’re part of the classic Mercedes diesel crowd.

Proudly crafted in Germany, meticulously detailed and finely finished for a refined in-hand feel paired with a premium brushed surface.