The cheapest safe parts washer solution I know of is concentrated Gunk ... which is available in a one gallon can.... to be mixed with several gallons of kerosene. Out here on the farm I spray a lot of equipment.... keep it capped because it is designed to be washed off with water...
Gasoline is NOT SAFE to use...

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=156207&highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html