Looked at an 85TD today on a dealer's lot. It is a trade-in. 120k on the clock. The previous owner says the odometer quite working a number of years ago. Body is fine, no rust, a few missing trim pieces in the interior. It started right up even when the diesel ignorant salesman did not wait for the glow plugs to energize.
My question concerns the engine. I took the oil fill cap off at idle and there was virtually NO blowby. Just the slightest whiff of smoke. Much less than on my 77 300d with just 55k. I'm inclined to take this as an indication that despite the unknown mileage, the engine is healthy. How reliable an indication of engine health is blowby?
By the way, they want $3400 for it.--it needs a winshield and a good cleaning.