Congratualtions on the find Keith. Is there anothr one sitting out there under an oak tree maybe, I'm in the market...

One thing that I have found on cars that have either sat for extended periods or had folks trying to start them using evils like ether is tha the cylinder walls have become washed down or dried and lost some of their seal with the rings.

Pull the glow plugs and using a piece of tubing on an oil can shoot a tablespoon or so of 15/40 or atf into the holes. Let it sit for an hour or so, turn the engine over a couple fo times.
shoot another tablespoon or so into each cylinger. This time let it sit overnight. The anticipation will kill you but they have to sit in order for the oil to work its way around.
In the morning turn it over a couple of times to throw out any excess oil.
Replace the glow plugs.
Oh BTW did I mention charging the battery overnight also?
Pump the hand pump about 30 or 40 times...Once all back together go for it.
I bet it will start...
PS I live over in Bend so if you need more help send me a "Private message" and I might be heading over that way and can stop bye.

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique