Mileage is now at 145M.

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Larry in Mobile, AL
'83 300SD "Goldfinger" 145K Mi W126 E-617.95 T-722.3 15" Bundts

So tonight I popped the valve cover off and checked the clearances. No change from the adjustments made in January. 0.004" intake, 0.012 - 0.103" exhaust.
I checked the timing chain stretch using the 2mm method listed in the DIY. Best I can tell I get 0.080" between 11-12 degrees ATDC. I think this is within spec.
Smoking is the worst at low rpm -- ~750 rpm in drive with A/C on. Very little smoke at idle in park with A/C off.
There has to be a restriction in the air flow. I will report back once I get a bore scope into the intake manifold.

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Larry in Mobile, AL
'83 300SD "Goldfinger" 145K Mi W126 E-617.95 T-722.3 15" Bundts

Hi Folks,

I felt the need to report back on progress to-date. After checking timing chain stretch, I adjusted the idle to 750rpm with the transmission in drive. I re-timed using the drip method. This got me back from 16 BTDC to 8-9 BTDC using pulse sensing (Tac-N-Time). The increased rpm at idle and the original timing DID reduce the black smoke at idle. While all this was happening I changed the wheels to 15" Bundts and the tires to Michelin Harmony 215/65R15. MGP on my first road trip using GPS is 34. This seems too high, but at least I am confident that there is nothing seriously wrong. My takeaway from this experiment is that the 750 rpm at idle means "in drive with the A/C on"

Thanks eveyone for your input. On to the next project -- replacing the gasket between the oil filter housing and the engine! Can anybody recommend a ratcheting allen wrench that will work in that cramped space?

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Larry in Mobile, AL
'83 300SD "Goldfinger" 145K Mi W126 E-617.95 T-722.3 15" Bundts