My problem is I am installing an IP on an unknown engine. I believe it is a 1972 220d and am going on that guess. There are two different settings for a 220D depending on the chassis number. 26 degrees BTDC and 24 degrees BTDS. I have put the IP on at 25 degrees BTDS. My question is will a 220d engine run a couple degrees off on the IP timing my hope is that I will have time tomorrow to fire it up and time the IP by ear since I have no idea what the engine really is. Will an old four cylinder diesel engine run if it is say two degrees off on the IP setting? I have tried to find out what the engine is by the number on the plate attached to the block Phil could not figure it out but thought it was a 220d EURO engine. My Mercedes dealer swears it is a gas engine and yes it has glow plugs and runs on diesel so that leaves out a gas engine.
It is a royal pain in the but to work on the IP there is so little room I hate to frustrate my self to death trying to tighten that last IP bolt if it is not going to have any chance of starting and since every thing is done except tightening the IP to block bolts. I hate to do that if there is no chance of it starting and I am just going to have to take it off and try it at 26 degrees and then again at 24degrees if that does not work. I bet I am pretty much on a trial and error basis here but I thought I would ask. The car is a 1976 240D but defiantly not a 240D engine it has 650K miles on the car but the engine has 400 PSI across all cylinders. The injection shop said they had never seen an IP like the one off the car and they thought it was parts from two pumps made into one. The IP I am installing is off a 1972 220D unknown chassis number. Last but not least my 300sd was a lot of fun to work on this is a real pain there is no room to work. Any help appreciated.
Dave S

Every thing needs to be perfect to get the best out of any diesel, However in your case; 1 degree and that bottom bolt won't matter until you determine if it will run. There is a leather diaphragm on the back of that injection pump that would seem to me to be a miracle if it is not dry rotted and cracked open, in which case the engine most likely won’t start and if it does it will smoke up 2 or 3 countys.
Michael