Just wanted to report some pleasant surprises resulting from a recent very thorough engine and compartment degreasing of my 81 300SD.
I believe this is the first time it's ever been done. (in 190,000 miles)
With the engine cold, just about everything was degreased and rinsed thoroughly. The linkages were also cleaned and then lubricated with white lithium grease.
(Please tell me if this is a no-no.)
I steered clear of the turbo and surrounding area.

1. Temp now hovers around 180 consistantly - used to read slightly above it.
2. Engine seems to run smoother and quieter.
3. Most interestingly, the jerky shift from 1 to 2 has smoothed out considerably, and the flare from 2-3 is nearly gone.

Was hoping the slight rocking of the engine at idle after sustained driving would be gone, but no such luck. But overall I am very pleased with the results.

Plus any leaks and seepages can be spotted right away.

Just one more thing - replaced the air filter and there's less smoke belching at takeoff.
(This pointer was mentioned in one of the posting in Tech Help. Thanks !!)

No water rashioning in our area.
The drought disaster is mostly for farmers who rely on rainfall. For residential folks, such as in our area, water comes from the New River - no problems, at least in the area I live in.
We're still conserving and being careful, though.
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Here's a copy of my 7.30 posting -
For the first time just degreased the turbo diesel engine and compartment with Castrol's Super Clean Tough Task cleaner/degreaser. (spray bottle) - the label says "biodegradeable". I even sprayed on painted surfaces (but rinsed immediately and thoroughly) and it did a great job with the
original paint showing through after the first application. The heavily caked area, in my case area above the water pump, was loosened with a brass brush and a good soaking for a minute removed the rest without problems. Used a regular garden hose sprayer to avoid driving to the car wash and heat up the engine.
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Wiring and vaccuum hoses were also cleaned.
One thing that helps and is important is not to spray the whole engine compartment all at once. Some spots take only 10 seconds of soaking, other spots takes repeated applications and brushing. Pick a spot, soak an rinse, then move on to a different target, and so on. After couple of applications, you can figure out what it takes to remove a certain amount of gunk, and the key thing is not to soak any longer then you have to.
The Castrol stuff works fast.
I cleaned the top and sides of the air filter housing. The turbo area was not gunked up at all but I think it's ok if some water spray gets on it, especially if this being done with the engine cold.
I let everything dry out for couple of hours before starting the car but that's probably overkill.

The one thing on a turbo engine that needs to be covered before cleaning is the switch right behind the air cleaner housing. It is big and has only one connection on the top of it. It also has a small hole in the top and if it gets wet it can limit the ammount of turbo boost. The switch is for the over boost protection.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks, Benzmac.

I will take a look at this thing and see if I compromised it. I sure hope not.
Is this something that would dry out from the engine compartment heat ?