Following the Haynes Manual, I loaded the rear cargo space with approximately 250 lbs and ran the engine at fast idle for about a minute.

When I checked the hydraulic fluid had not moved (i.e. it was at the same level it was prior to the test).

Does this indicate a failure in the system? Any other ways to test?

Thanks.

Yes, if your system is operating properly you and a buddy can both stand on the rear bumper while car is running and after a few seconds you should be able to see and feel the rear of the car rise up slowly, and then when you get off of the car you can watch it go back down.

From my experience you should hang onto the roof rack and try to fix your eyes on a stationary object away from the car - something that is just an inch or so above the roof, so you can see the difference while the car is raising up.

More often than not, the lever that attaches to the torsion bar and is connected to pivot arm coming out of control valve is typically not adjusted properly. This will not allow any fluid to come out of control valve and pressure the air cells (spheres) which in turn puts a charge into your shocks.

My brother and I sat on the tailgate (or whatever the "payload" area of back of the TD is, sort of like the trunk, the flat spot between the bumper and the seat back).

Anyway, with our legs dangling off the bumper and feet resting on the pavement, a spouse started the car. Slowly, our feet became airborne, or at least less attached to the pavement.

It is not dramatic, but it is rewarding....

later

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84 300TD - 235k - Farbe "Surfblau" bought at 213k
87 300SDL - 131k - Farbe "PimpGold" bought at 115k
00 Klepper Faltboot Expedition Double