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If you are getting black smoke on takeoff, I'm pretty sure you need an "Italian tuneup". Go beat some ricer boys in their hopped up cars, you will both be the better for it! MB diesels carbon up pretty bad in slow driving, makes them run poorly, start hard, and smoke.

I'm going to double check tomorrow that the crank turns when I turn the power steering pump pulley (it's unlikely it isn't, but hey, it only take a minute or two) and then stop in to see my parts guy in the AM on the way to work. I spend more money there than anywhere else, even with the deal he gives me!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!