>>AND it was the problem.

I'm glad that you've found the problem Gene.

One thing that you might not easily see if all 12 of your inlets have erroded is what the inlet valve seats are like [my guess would be not too good - sorry!]. On my engine it was obvious because the valves nearer the front end of the engine hadn't sunk, and the difference was stark. If all of your valves have worn, you won't have an easy reference with which to compare.

You might want to trial fit a new inlet valve in place, and see how high the valve head sits, and how well it contacts the seats before re-assembly.

I seem to remember there's a section drawing in the FSM which describes how the valve seat geometry should look - it might be worth checking while the head is off.

There is something good to look forward to though - once I sorted out my faulty inlet valves, the change in the way that the engine now starts and runs smoothly, even when cold is really great - music to the ears!

Oh George, the head is at the machine shop and seats are part of the deal. Trust they'll make it all right.

I'm looking forward to taking my 5300 lbs V-8 winter truck off the road for a while! Its killing me in fuel, which I dont mind with a foot of snow but...!

Hey, glad you found the problem. The car will feel like a rocket when it's back together!

__________________
-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Evan, IT DOES! Puuurs smooth as can be, still was a bunch of smoke, but i think it was old soot in the exhaust this time as it gradually disappreared. No more " whompa-whompa" idle. I've got a relatively well behavied diesel on my hands!

Thank God; it almost kicked my tail! Quite a job.

Well done Gene!