You can use this guide to diagnose why it wasn't unlocking along with the rest of the system.

Mercedes W123 Vacuum Lock System Diagnosis Technique - iFixit

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1979 300D 040 Black on Black - 1985 300D Maaco job (sadly sprayed over 199 Black Pearl Metallic) on Palamino

http://i.imgur.com/LslW733.jpg

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Visit the W123 page on iFixit for over 70 helpful DIY guides!

Good trick. Good to post separately in the fix it threads.
The color combo of your W123 is nice.
(my first car was a 1962 Galaxie 500)

P.s. I think the cowel covers changed to black,like the 240D always had, at some point in the turbo diesel production period.
I also prefer the chrome colored ones.

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1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
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1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

I will be adjusting the valves this weekend. I decided to buy one Hazet 14mm wrench for a go by and I made the other one out of a Ace Pro 14mm which is thin so I did not have to grind it. I also got the third Hazet wrench too.

I have been searching for factory service manuals but not much luck there.

I almost have all the parts to build a pop-tester. I will be working on that too this weekend.

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1986 560 SEL
1960 Ranchero
1970 Cougar XR7
2002 Crown Vic Sport
1992 F150

The Ace pro wrench next to a real Hazet. I got one Hazet to use as a giude. The third wrench was irresistible.

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1986 560 SEL
1960 Ranchero
1970 Cougar XR7
2002 Crown Vic Sport
1992 F150

Love your old rotary phone!

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Thanks cooljjay.
I pressure washed the enigne and bay but did not get around to adjusting the valves.
I looked at the turbo impeller and it looks pretty beat up. :-l
There is some play when I wiggle the compressor wheel. It feels like 1mm of play side to side but no play back and forth.
Where could I buy a new compressor wheel? Mercedes source has a nice looking 200k kit.

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1986 560 SEL
1960 Ranchero
1970 Cougar XR7
2002 Crown Vic Sport
1992 F150

I finally got around to adjusting the valve this weekend. I found every valve to be way too tight.
Wow! That was fun. No joking. I really enjoyed it. The third wrench is a lifesaver. I needed it on three valves.
Now the engine stars easier and will idle without stalling and revs up much better.
When I removed the valve cover I expected to see a lot of sludge but it is very clean.

Now to address the injectors, fuel tank and vacuume lines with an EGR delete. :-)

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1986 560 SEL
1960 Ranchero
1970 Cougar XR7
2002 Crown Vic Sport
1992 F150

Readjusting the valves again with the correct feeler gauges. Took a pic of the valve timing while I was at it. Not sure if this is good or bad.

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1986 560 SEL
1960 Ranchero
1970 Cougar XR7
2002 Crown Vic Sport
1992 F150