ok, so forget I asked. Anyone aside from spark (thank you, BTW) care to actually give me some guidance? Some quick this is what to look for, etc. I only ask about things I have never dealt with and this is all I get: a hijacked thread? Try some WD40? Maybe this is a simple issue. I hope it is. guess I'll have to ask locally.

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1969 220D "Berta" RIP
1982 300D turbo 250K