I read a number of posts recommending adjusting the valves. I have a 1983 300SD that seems to be running fine. I have 261,000 miles on it and everyone has me wondering if I should check the valves. My question is threefold
1) How do I know if it needs an adjustment
2) How complicated is it
3) Can i do it myself not being a deisel mechanic but pretty handy.

thank you - Dennis

The only way to "know" if the valves are okay is to check them. Adjusting them is "easy" depending on your skill level. If you can change a valve cover gasket, change out starters/alternators I would say it will be no problem. The actual valve adjusting can be difficult with standard 14mm wrenches but can be done if you are patient. That or buy/borrow the special wrenches. They can be had for $50-$75 and they pay for themselves in one adjustment. I use regular wrenches with no problems. Get yourself a manual, do a search on the topic and give it a shot. You might get lucky and the valve clearances will be fine, just a new gasket and you will be done. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Setting valves is nothing to be afraid of. As rwthomas has correctly written the job can be done, with some difficulty, with standard wrenches. I have done so many times.
Only other thing I would add would be to get a Haynes manuel. It has reasonable instructions and some useful photos on how to set the valves.

I have to say that the first time was a PIA but after that I just did my new/old 300 in about 30 minutes one afternoon.

I made my own set of crude wrenches for this purpose by buying some cheapy wrenches and then heating them with a torch and then bending them with a cheater pipe. I used a picture of the hazet wrenches as my blueprint.

Worked out pretty good and if I can't get enough leverage with these cheapies then I pull out my standard wrench to break something loose...

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

I'm planning on making my own wrenches too. The local pawnshop should have a good supply of cheap wrenches to try with. Why cut up new ones if you don't have too, right? RT

__________________
When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

I am particularly fond of this thread :

Bending Valve Adjustment Wrenchs