I do it with the lines attached and don't have any problems. I stick rags down between the block and IP/oil filter housing so if I drop something, it doesn't disappear. I did a compression test the last time I did this and put in the compression adapter at least twice into every glowplug hole. Not difficult.

I propose a contest:
Two 123 617's side by side. Gearwrenches at 10 paces. Brian against Lance.
Winner is the quickest with the fewest profanities and least amount of drawn blood.

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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