Firstly, my wife is home from the hospital, and doing much better. Scary situation.

Secondly, as I promised, the report on the post-valve adjustment on my SD. I actually adjusted the valves and, while at it, installed new glow plugs. Had been experiencing difficulty starting all winter long, and lots of smoke on start-up.

The previous weekend, I had performed the diesel purge. That, alone, had made a big difference in the smoothness of the idle, and the sound of the engine. After I got everything sewn back up, the car did not start up right away. I was about to panic when it occured to me that the injector lines were empty of fuel. I cranked her for a few more seconds, and BINGO!

Before the work, I had to let the glow plug relay cycle twice (37 seconds on my particular SD), then count off exactly 28 seconds before the car would start. Yesterday morning, I decided to hit the starter as soon as the GP light went off (7 seconds, normally). The outside temp was 46°, the GP light went off right on schedule, and I hit the starter. Honestly, I don't think the engine made one full rev before she started up.

It was amazing. As soon as the initial glee subsided, I looked in the rear-view mirror -- NO SMOKE! As embarrassing as it is to admit to myself and this group that I had let that old gal go so long without a remedy, I am equally proud that I was able to pull off the task on my on. In addition, the money I saved in not having to drive 65 miles to West Memphis for German Auto Tech to do the work, more than paid for the diesel purge kit, the bent wrenches, valve cover gasket, and the glow plugs. Am I proud of myself, or what?

Finally, thanks to everyone who participated in this thread and the many others that I searched in order to build my confidence level. I sincerly doubt I could own this car without this forum.

Next project: both front window regulators are shot to heck, so they will be replaced with a pair of good used ones from a salvage yard.

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1980 300SD 146K miles.