Still not sure: cam timing
 

I recently had the chain replaced in my 76 300D at 280,000 miles.
I don't know how stretched it was 'cause the mechanic didn't check it that way. (Not so sure I needed to replace it now)
The car doesn't run as smoothly and has a bit more valvetrain noise now. I posted this subject in the Diesel forum and got very helpful advice. But I'm still not happy 'cause the car doesn't run as well.
The best advice I got was leave the chain alone and it will stretch out in 10,000 miles and be right on the marks for a long time. See, right now it is 2 degrees advanced :(
Should I just wait that long for it to run the way it's supposed to or is there possible damage being done?? (Funky combustion) I know the pistons aren't going to hit the valves (I think) but it still isn't the way it is supposed to be. Go with Offset keyway???
I just want it to purr like it is used to.
Just wanted to double check.
thanks

You should have the cam timing checked. More than likely it is Ok because if it wasn't, the valves would bend.

My suggestion is as follws: Have the injection pump timing checked and set. The reason is someone may have adjusted it to compensate for the stretch and now the new chain is in. This will cause the injection timing to be off which is the same as ignition timing.

Good luck.

I should have mentioned that.
Injector pump timing was checked after installation of the new chain.
Valves have been adjusted. Everything else is right on for all I know.
Thanks

Oh and another thing, sorry.
I should mention that the items changed were the chain, cam sprocket, tensioner and that little plastic "tunnel" guide that the chain passes through right after traversing the cam gear on it's way back down into the dark regions.
None of the other guide rails were replaced. My mechanic said the tensioner rail couldn't be replaced with the head in place (OM 617) and after reading threads I found in a search, (thanks to Webmaster for the tip) I'm worried about those old rails.