I think my 'erratic' timing chain readings are a "measurement" problem. I have double, and triple checked the timing using the 2mm lift method and got the same 15 degrees consistently (although even that approach is tricky trying to get the dial gauge needle to stop right at 2mm!).

I don't understand the timing advance - no more pinging result either. That is, if everyone is sure that moving the pump CLOSER to the engine does in fact advance the timing?? This is the direct quote from the FSM:

"Swivel direction of injection pump

Toward engine = earlier begin of delivery
Away from engine = later begin of delivery"

I am going to move the pump back just a bit to see what it does for the smoke. I took my car by a local mechanic and when I asked him about the smoke, he looked at it and said "it's a diesel". He said that that amount of smoke wouldn't bother him at all.

Maybe the car is 'supposed' to smoke a little bit...HA! It does run good...

ryan

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RG Newell

1984 300D
1972 250
1986 560SL
1991 300CE