1992 300 D engine at idle, knocking or normal?

[Ryugreen]

First of all, long time reader, first time poster. Love the forum and have found tons of info here over the last two years. I have a 1992 300d with 212k. I've owned it since 150K and put a little over 60K on it in last two years. Has always run great. It has also always been a noisy engine but lately I've begun to suspect it may be noisier than normal. The body and interior are in great shape and I really hope to drive this thing to 300k plus so if there is something wrong, I'd like to get it diagnosed ASAP.

Did some quick research on knocking or nailing on this forum and came away with some pretty terrible feeling of foreboding and doom... hopefully its not headed this way.

I took a video of the car at idle. Here is the link. Any thoughts?

1992 300D engine at idle, knocking, or normal? - YouTube

It doesn't seem to use oil. I do all recommended maintenance myself. Just changed fuel filters yesterday. There does seem to be an oil leak somewhere as I notice oil periodically below the inline filter on the engine. I shot the location of that at the very end of the video but it is difficult to make out.

I will most likely take the car to the same diesel mechanic that has worked on it for the last decade for a checkup but it would be nice to know if you guys think that is warranted.

I did a blowby test, no noticeable smoke/steam but there was some oil being tossed/sloshed around a bit out of the filler hole. That normal?

Thanks all for any insight.

Ryan G.