Diesel purge. You might want to do a mix including Sea Foam and injector cleaner of some sort as that will add lubricant. Some have suggested that a purge can dislodge particles and lead to problems. I subscribe to can't hurt, yet I didn't see any inprovement long term, still, can't hurt. Good luck.

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83 SD

84 CD

Seems to be running alright so far, I ran it and drove it for about an hour and a half, then shut it off for about 20-30 minutes. Warm start was perfect and instant. Still noticeable blue/white smoke coming from the exhaust, though. I think I'll start tomorrow off with a valve adjustment.

Is there any vacuum diagnostic information anywhere online so that I can do some testing without a service manual? I'm curious to see if my vacuum pump is operational, but I'm not sure the correct procedure is for testing. Thanks guys.

I think you are barking up the wrong tree. The engine is showing signs of lets say neglect of service. You can't stop thinking about vacuum. That engine does not need vacuum for anything but to stop. It requires vacuum to pull the engine stop lever through the ignition and it requires vacuum to give you a great power assist on the brakes. Does the engine stop when you turn the ignition off? Do you have a reasonable power brake when you drove the car. If you have those two, you have good vacuum and you don't need anymore. Door locks, trunk lock and fuel door lock are also vacuum operated and may or may not work. You can fix them down the road. Right now you need a valve adjustment and possibly a head gasket replacement. Take it from there.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

OK, that makes sense. Although, I know I have vacuum issues of some sort, because my trans shifts ultra hard and early, I think I'm having vacuum issues to the trans, but I'm not sure. I'll report back after a valve adjustment. Thanks everybody.

Try turning off your climate control. Vacuum leaks there can cause hard shifts. Simple diagnostic test.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Interesting, thanks. I'm still trying to figure out HOW to use the climate control, lol.

Apparently I've lost my Snap On feeler gauge set, so, valve adjustment is going to have to wait until I find them... Sucks. I'll update this post eventually when I get time to adjust the valves. Thanks everybody.