aha! that was the problem....that pesky little # 334 had fallen into the pan whenever i pulled the piston out....i wasnt bright enough to see the little socket inside and the one on the piston itself....when i first saw that piece i thought it was just something that came out of the broken piston....im all back together now, and the cover pops back out just like it should....im about to top it off and see what happens....thanks so much for the help, Steve

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1985 300SD 192,000miles...Astral silver/ Grey MbTex

1983 300D 194,000miles...White/Tan MbTex...my newest addiction