From my description of the fault, and knowing these engines better than me, How likely is it that the fault is seals and guides, as opposed to ring/piston/bore wear?

Are they prone to this sort of trouble? Any other daft things that I could check out??

Any comments appreciated......

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Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....