I'm kind of doing the same thing right now.

I'm buying the Harbor Freight compression tester and am readying myself to do a more formal investigation. Only then will I really know whats going on and can make informed decisions about what to do next.

I think youll need to at least take that step to be able to get more help from everyone whos so incredibly helpful and experienced here.

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car