Hi all.
As hard as it is for me to accept, I trust what my 35+ years experienced M-B tech is telling me - that I need a valve job on my '79 240D. It has been idling very roughly for some time, puffing black smoke in rhythm with the rough idle, and has lately been very hard to start, requiring the block heater, much cranking, and full fuel even at 50 deg. F ambient temperatures.
Injectors were ruled out as a cause, after testing, replacing, etc. accomplished nothing.
It only has 120,000 miles. We suspect that maybe the original owner (up to 70,000 miles) never adjusted valves. I've checked current valve adjustment and it is spot-on.
Compression test showed compression in #3 low and in #4 very low. Tech used compressed air to determine that it is leaking past the valves/seats.
I was told I can save some bucks by R&R-ing the head myself, so I'd like to do so.
But I'm looking at the service manual and it looks like maybe I need a special slide hammer for the chain slide rail bearing pin (116 589 20 33 00)? And if that doesn't work, another puller (115 589 20 33 00)?
What about a socket for the head bolts? I presume that I will need a 12-point socket for the 12-point bolts. Is that correct? If so, what size 12-point?
I am always in favor of making my own tools or adapting common tools, rather than trying to find official tools.
Engine is a 616.912
Car mfd. July 1979
Many thanks for any advice you all can offer.

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Now you're suckin' Diesel!

'88 300SEL
'92 300D 2.5 Turbo
'96 Lincoln Town Car. The Jazzmobile.