85 300TDT, 274k.

The lobes of the cam are visibly worn from the years of service. Maybe a millimeter worth of wear visible from the oil fill on the valve cover. Is it worth it to replace the cam? I don't think it is altering the performance. If the cam is this worn what else may be showing similar signs?

Thanks for your time.
Alec.

Alec,

I think you answered your own question with your question. In spite of the myth that a Benz diesel lasts forever, they don't. At 274K, there are many parts that are not what they originally were. When it comes engine time, a new camshaft will be in order. If you were to replace it now, you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. In a gas engine the fuel is mixed with air, the amount of this mixture that is pumped into the engine determines the power developed. In a diesel engine, it is the amount of fuel injected that determines power. Unless the supply of air is severely inhibited, the power will still be developed.

Keep changing the oil and otherwise maintain the engine until it is too tired, and deserves rebuilding attention. Enjoy it until then.

My $0.02,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles