"Remove the air filter element."
Do I remove it permanently? Or just clean it w/ diesel fuel and replace? How crucial is it that the oil in the bath be the same grade that I used in the oil change? Cuz its not the same. Rotella 15W 40 oil change...Sae 30 in the oil bath.

Does this car have an EGR?
I dont know. What does it look like and where exactly would it be? If it does, how do I clean the carbon build up?

Have you done a valve adjustment yet?
No I havent. Ive read that some people do it themselves and others say take em to a shop. I feel like I would like to learn to DIY this so that I can service my own car, BUT I dont want to screw it up either. This is a daily driver.

Also every TDI that I have seen has the sooty bumper.
The problem is...as of a day ago...I never had a sooty bumper. Did I get bad fuel?? I read that I should be buying my fuel at truck stops rather than Wally World. I also added "STOP LEAK" when I changed my oil...naively thinking this would help quiet the engine a little and help reduce some white smoke...could these things be the culprits?

Thanks for the help and reassurance that the diesel forum isnt annoyed with every Newbie and his repeat threads.

__________________
Anthony
'76 W115 240D
'67 IH Scout 800
'61 IH Scout 80