1984 300DT. If I remember correctly, I need to turn the engine over to line up the drain for the torque converter. Before I place a wrench on the front engine bolt to turn the engine over, should I remove the fuel injectors first? I know this sounds like a stupid question, but if I need to remove the injectors then I will need to get some new crush washers ready to go.

Just turn it slowly with a long ratchet, no need to undo injectors

OK, I'm planning on starting on this project in the morning. Hopefully, everything will go well.

It's very easy to stop turning with the TC drain bolt just off enough that you can't remove it through the fairly small access hole. And don't forget that if you turn too far, you will have to make another complete revolution - there is no turning it backwards, unless you choose to risk the timing chain jumping a tooth or two. I would remove the injectors, allowing the compression to escape, simply to make the job easier. But then again, if you're a big brute type then go for it, compression and all. 27 mm deep socket is needed - deep to clear the edge of the crank pulley.

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Don't Chrome them; polish them

If I remember correctly, the engine should be rotated clockwise?

yes

No need. Clockwise rotation viewed from the front. MB wonderful idea was to have a TC drain plug so when you change the fluid you can get itall out. I am not aware of any company that did theis and getting all the fluid out in my GM and Dodge vehicles requires a flush which wastes so much fluid. Easy job and put a drain plug in while you have the pan out to make a future job easier.

you can turn the engine over, while under the car watching for the drain plug, by using a large screw driver against the torque converter.

I'm not sure I follow what you are saying; in the past I used a 27mm socket on the crankshaft bolt to turn the engine over so as to line up the torque converter drain plug. Of course, this method requires a second set of eyes.

no need to pull the injectors. I've snuck the engine backwards a few times be it doing the tc drain or a valve adjustment. I dont think you want to turn the engine backwards like multiple revolutions or even one full revolution but a hair wont screw things up (at least in my experience!)

or a remote camera

right in the bell housing where the drain is you can insert a large screwdriver to pry against the ridges on the torque converter. all while lying on your back waiting for the drain plug to come around.

I looked at the torque converter thinking of how every other vehicle you use a BIG flat screw driver, I didn't think it wise here, use the 27MM socket and a 5MM Allen tool on the T.C.'s drain plug .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

With the car up on ramps, there is more than enough room to slide under and place a large mirror under the transmission at an approximate angle of 45 degrees facing front. Aim a shop light at the access hole. Now you can turn the engine from front while watching for the plug to appear. Note: clockwise rotation is looking at the engine from the front.

__________________

Don't Chrome them; polish them

Wow ! now I have an excuse to go buy more tools ! .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better