Sorry for your loss Monomer.

Before pulling anything apart get some compression numbers. If they still look close and around the 400 range do the head work, but if they are in the basement don't waist your money. When I purchased mine and got it running there was more exhaust out the oil cap than tail pipe. I found a 87 190D turbo engine with 90K miles for $800.

Best of Luck!

__________________
James
Jet Engine Design Engineer with a car problem
(I just wish it was curable!)

1990 300D 294K miles
1987 Vette 101K miles (4+3)
2003 HD Electra Glide 65K miles
1992 Ford F150 300 I6
2000 Suzuki TL1000R Human Missle Machine!