to reply to all ideas:
yes, i think i need to just go ahead and buy the primer pump, mine is "bad" in some way right now and the new style is so much easier to use and easier on the knuckles. maybe that WILL fix it. (i'll look on e-bay but i prefer the reliability and helpfulness of Phil right here. though some cheaper shipping tiers wouldn't hurt, don't need to send everything UPS ground......hint hint!!!
)
as for the coolant level, it's been impossible to monitor as i'm dealing with the obvious leak i have right now (
RTV on Cooling System Hoses? Leak Won't Stop....). today seems to be the first day with no leaks so maybe i can start checking it regularly for loss of fluid.
yes, i reamed the glow plug holes, even bought a specific reamer for this purpose. how does one check the glow plugs and wires when they are in? what about that relay, can that be bad or broken and my glow light still comes on and they still glow and start the engine?
valves were adjusted to spec by my indy mechanic. this is the second time (second mercedes diesel) he's done this job for me and it's run better afterwards both times. what about injector nozzles that aren't off but actually gunked up or actually clogged? P.O. did run biodiesel, of quality i'll never know....
now, about this compression test, is this something i can head out to the garage and just do myself?
EDIT: did a quick search for the compression test how to and i think i found everything i need to check this out....never mind.....
thanks!!!