That extra effort above and beyond you put in to getting it running surely sent many to the bone yard for those without a determined owner. Great job, not being critical but you mentioned crap battery, but the crank did sound on the slow side and it still started.

This isn't the only diesel I have and by default needed the battery I had been using back in another diesel, I wanted the "core battery" that came with it back in it which as you see actually works also until its officially on the "road" again....

Good to see it running finally!

What would be the main reasons it wasnt starting? IIRC after all the initial priming you ended up having to play with timing via moving the pump case? Was that what initially got it started?

Initial priming accelerated by a tow start, then having the timing advanced to a more correct position? I’m quite affirmative that the timing was one full spline over as I mounted it the first time. I biased the spline just slightly maybe 10% (of slotted spline area width so basically nothing) in the opposite side I originally did.

I see. Things should be easier now that its running, good luck!

I second the comments.......good job sticking with it and getting it running! Messing with the IP and timing is definitely above and beyond what many people are willing to attempt. Any idea how the IP /timing got out of whack in the first place?

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2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 91K (hers)
2005 Corvette 55K (fun car)
2002 VW Jetta TDI 231K (mine)
1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 196K (kids)
1994 Ford F150 4WD 249K (firewood hauler)
1983 Mercedes 300D 376K (diesel commuter)

Previous last (not the one I purchased from) driving owner who gave up on something that had failed it to start. Injection hard line brackets where in center console 😒 at purchase