Larry,

Thanks for the concern. I think I will start collecting information on the job and also add it to the budget request. If you had any tips on doing the chain replacement I would certainly appreciate it.

Thanks again,
Doug

Ken300D,

All the valves were way too tight. The adjusters don't have to be turned very much, as I soon learned. It seemed like it was less than half a turn of the adjusters more or less. I have no idea how long it had been since the valves were adjusted, but I bought the car with 185,000 miles and it now has 194,000 miles.

I have noticed that the smoking has abated to an extent. I used to watch my son drive away from the house with a little blue tail trailing him all the way out the driveway. Now i just notice a slight wisp if at all. I will watch closer and try to verify a noticable improvement.

Doug V.

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1980 Mercedes 300 SD, 215,000miles
2001 F-350 Powerstroke turbodiesel, Crewcab, 4x4, 81,000 miles
1993 Chevy Suburban, 185,000 miles