First, thanks a bunch for the help everyone. My ONLY issue with this forum is that folks don't update their thread to show the resolution, so I will definitely do that. It seems like I'll find a thread that looks like similar issues as mine, but then it just stops with no explanation of a fix.

I'm going forward with head removal, but first I'd like to do a leakdown test, just to be sure I know what I'm up against. If it's bottom end, then out with the motor! It seems like if I get into the valve cover a leakdown could be a small investment in time.

To do a leakdown, don't I need to measure each cylinder on each stroke--intake and exhaust? With the valve cover off could I just shoot air into each cylinder as I observe the valves in a synced closed position? Or if I take rockers off, wouldn't that insure that every valve is as closed as it's gonna get and start shooting air from that point?

If I find that leakdown shows burned valves, what are the chances at that point that a cylinder could have both burned valves and bottom end problems?

Also, is Haynes a decent manual to use for head r&r? Or is there a better manual out there. I have decent mechanical experience, but I've never been that far inside a diesel or a Benz.

Thanks for help.