Since you have the ALDA defeated, if you weld your foot to the floor from a stop, are you leaving a cloud of black smoke? If you are, it would suggest the turbo isn't spooling properly. If you aren't, it would suggest that the IP is running lean or starving for fuel.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

...or that a lifter has sunk...or that a valve seat is scored...or that there's a compression problem...or that an injector or two is clogged...or that the exhaust is obstructed...or that...

The Alda should have minimal affect on performance, if it's adjusted correctly and the pressure line is clear. Like the EGR, it's blamed for more problems than it could possibly cause.

Agreed 100%. However, if the ALDA sense line has an issue (clogged, cracked, switchover valve issues), the ALDA itself leaks and doesn't hold pressure, or the turbo is not spooling for some reason, you can have problems.

From first hand experience, a defeated ALDA with an improper tune or a turbo that isn't spooling correctly will roll coal when the engine lugs. If the ALDA is defeated and the turbo spools properly, there should be no appreciable difference, but the low-end torque will pick up slightly (though not especially noticeable compared to a properly functioning ALDA).

The point being that right now Jake has his ALDA removed from the engine for testing purposes. If the turbo is not spooling properly, he should be generating black smoke since the ALDA is not leaning out the fuel mixture. Combustion problems, valve issues, etc, should generate white or grey smoke from unburnt fuel. Given the compression figures and lack of complaints of lifters clattering, it doesn't sound like that is the case.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Looks like I found the problem. Here's a rod from the wastegate disconnected. I tried putting it back into the stud but it's too short to reach. I think I'm gonna have to take stuff off to get to it back on.


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

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

Yes. Makes sense.

Yay I was right about something for once! The lever with the stud on it should be able to move back and forth freely, it is what controls the wastegate valve. If it's been stuck open for a long time, it may be full of carbon, preventing movement.

The wastegate actuator should have a preload on the spring to keep the wastegate pulled shut. It will seem like the rod is too short by about 1/4-1/2". You will need to pull it out and slide it over the stud at the same time. Source a new E-clip to keep it from falling off again. I picked mine up from Car-Quest, they had them in a bin behind the counter. Just ask for an E-clip for a Garrett turbo wastegate, apparently it's a common item (at least according to the counter staff).

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)