Hi All :

I picked up a 1981 240d 4spd manual (w/230k on the odometer & 100k on the engine) a few weeks ago for a commuter car. I've done the nuts & bolts work and now it's time to deal with the big problem ... SMOKE! I might be spoiled by my '02 TDI, but this Merc could be used to hide a battleship ...

Engine-wise I've done just the basics including valve timing, new injector nozzles, flush + new filters, etc. But even running b100 it smokes like a champ.

I don't think it's burning coolant as there's no oil in the radiator & the "smell" isn't right. I can't tell though if it's burning engine oil since I haven't had it long enough. Even with a fresh shutoff valve it doesn't like shutting down; could that suggest it's still dieseling on engine oil?

Additionally when I pulled the oil filler cap today after some 70mph highway time (mostly downhill ... this is a 240 after all ) the valve cover was full of vapor. Does this indicate blow-by or that normal for this engine?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have a set of valve stem seals and may tackle that tomorrow if folks think it would help.

Many thanks in advance;
Steve A.