at current 15º ATDC, the lobes on the first cylinder are as such:
exhaust (1st one) pointing tapered end at 9 o'clock (directly towards the passenger side of the car).
intake (2nd one back) pointing tapered end at 5 o'clock.

i'm assuming this is not as it should be, as w/ normal engine rotation, the 2nd lobe is just about to be in full contact w/ that valve. should that lobe be just finishing contact w/ that valve?

in which case, perhaps i 'jumped' a couple chain links on the camshaft sprocket
OR
maybe there's something to JT20's idea that the little notched line-up TDC indicator washer behind the cam sprocket could be 'flipped'?

__________________
-lee
'83 300CDT (286k)

former proud owner of:
'85 mercedes euro 300TD
'80 mercedes 300TD
'77 mercedes 280e
'80 mercedes euro 250
'82 mercedes euro 250