I cannot thankyou all enough for the wealth of info on this forum and the knowledge that is contributed. Earlier in the summer I preheated my plugs for about two days-that was bad. The car would not start. After reading and studying this forum and all that was suggested I finally fixed the problem -the glow plugs. After my knuckles became friends with the fuel lines I was able to replace them all and she fires and starts and smokes and smokes. I am new to the diesel arena and mercedes but I love the car and there is another 1980 300sd back on the road in Indiana. Thankyou
Chad

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1980 300sd 225k+(mine, daughters jungle gym)
2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara(mine)
2003 Navigator(hers and the banks)

Check the chain stretch -- dollar to a donut, the valve and injection timing are way late from a worn out chain!

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!