I have used the power steering pump's nut to turn the engine and I have used a remote starter switch to 'bump' the engine from one valve to the next. The latter is much easier (some people are concerned about accidentally starting the engine but with a cold engine it should not be a risk). Don't turn the engine backwards!

It's probably best to start at the front of the block and work your way to the back. The only thing you have to keep track of is which valve is an intake and which is exhaust. In most cases, the valves tend to get tighter as the seats wear down so you will have to open them up.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Thanks for the replies. Here is the requested pic.

Attached Thumbnails

 

awesome, where was it?

I checked the DIY. - not there

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I use a starter switch to bump the engine and I use something to hold the manual off lever down so no problem.
If you want to make the wrenches these are the dementions
Home made Valve adjustment wrench info

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1983 300SD
200000miles

If you use a bump starter on those screw terminals under the hood (without the key in the ignition) the engine shouldn't start.

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1985 300TD-euro 352,000 mi
1974 240D (1?)52,000 mi - has a new home now