muleears,
when I got my 84 300d I had to back off some of the valve nuts more than 1 turn. Its best to set them on the loose side of the correct gap. They are good at closing the gap them self over time. If they are way too tight before you adjusted them (no gap), chances are if you set the gap correct, they will close up a little in the first few 100 miles.

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving