I'm beginning to suspect that the persistent "WHACK-WHACK-WHACK" (like someone is hitting the side of the engine with a ball peen hammer) at idle and under 1500 rpm when moving, is injector nailing. That, and the way the beast now constantly misfires when started cold iron, from the time the glow plugs cut out until the engine is warmed up.

I stopped by O'Reillys on Saturday, picked up a filter and Mobil 1 5W40 synthetic, to change at the first opportunity, in an effort to rule out lifter noise. I'm going to wait until after this effort to make a decision on the injectors.

The nozzles appear to be Bosch remans, installed by the PO. A five part P/N on the side, and below that "REMAN FOR MB". The upper and lower parts of the injectors look to be original, quite well oxidized (ie, rust).

If it comes down to pulling the injectors, and you had the cash and the choice, which would be the preferred route -

1 - A new set of Bosio nozzles from DG, having the present injectors rebuilt, pop tested, and balanced.

2 - A new set of complete injectors, such as from Colorado Biodiesel, using new Bosch nozzles

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Just say "NO" to Ethanol - Drive Diesel

Mitchell Oates
Mooresville, NC
'87 300D 212K miles
'87 300D 151K miles - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD 67K miles
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club