Is the car in good shape otherwise? Is it worth saving? It could just need top end work. Do a compression test and see what you find. The ring seal on these motors is GOOD for a long time a lot of miles.. I doubt it's bottom end, more less a top end issue. I'd bet it's a valve or two.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

like i said its a parts car, going to get parked. If it was something simple i would do it in my garage. But i'm not pulling the head and taking up space. May pull the head once i move it to a relatives old barn.

Well, I try and save everything ambitious project or not. I recently replaced an entire quarter panel arch and 1/2 the rocker on my project w210 E300 in my signature with one more arch and rocker to replace. About $4-5K in body work and welding done for my labor and cost of parts. I guess some don't think the same way with these cars. If you part it out, I'm interested in a few things like the high pressure oil cooler lines that go to the oil filter housing if they're in respectable shape. Possibly the injection pump.

__________________
Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

I pulled the valve cover, was curious if it some silly like a really worn cam shaft. Top end, at least what I could see looked really good.

Are any lifters soft?

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

Good question, didn't think to check. Might do that this evening.