'85 300D - turbo is off- replace intake manfold gasket?
 

In trying to get to the bottom of the pathetic power produced by this engine, I've removed the turbo and will be rebuilding.

Would it make any sense to pull the intake manifold and replace the gasket as a preventive measure, in case it had been leaking? I think I heard Kent Burgsma say that these were notorious for leaking.

The downside would be the risk of breaking off a stud.

You may have an EGR issue too.

Install a block heater if you do not have one, no better time than now.

I'm doing an EGR delete. Good idea on the block heater. Any particular suggestions on which one to get?

And I assume that you think it wise to pull the manifold and do a new gasket?

Yessiree, now is the time to do that. That is a combination gasket, intake and exhaust. Yes, get it on!

I think mine was from 'Zerostart'

If you are that far in, may as well if it is a common failure point. Hopeuflly you have OE oil pan seals and turbo orings. .