That's what I thought - so I checked it 4 times and the readings were the same - with all of the plugs pulled. (BTW, plugs 3-6 are black and carbon fouled, #2 was a little brown and #1 was wet, dirty and oily looking). I have determined that the intake manifold is leaking right here - by the number 1 and 2 cylinders. I guess I could have fuel in the chamber???

I really don't know what is going on now.

I did a leakdown test and all cylinders showed a 30% - 60% leakage, except for cylinder 4 which was even higher at 70%. All of these numbers were in the yellow, moderate range on my leakdown tester. Using a hose to isolate leaks, all leaked at the dipstick tube - which is expected, but I also picked up on leakage between cylinders, especially when pressurizing cylinder 5 I could hear what sounded like the ocean in cylinder 4!

No leakage noted through the carbs, exhaust pipe, and no bubbles in the coolant.

I should note that I did this test with the engine COLD - I should have done it at operating temperature, so I'm not sure what difference that makes.

I have no idea about what kind of results I should expect here - the engine is 35 years old, but I have not noticed any problems with power. It still runs well at highway speeds, or at least it did prior to this excessive smoking problem.

Ryan

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RG Newell

1984 300D
1972 250
1986 560SL
1991 300CE