I got ahold of the p.o. I feel better. He says his kid accidentally poured some oil into the burp bottle while doing an oil change?? Sounds plausible. Why would it be black, though?? I'm going to put the pressure tester on it sometime in the next couple days.

Like I say, the car runs pretty nicely. It needs motor mounts in a bad way. The rear suspension is a little loosey-goosey, but looks pretty easy to overhaul. The parts are cheap. If it does look like the gasket is compromised, I'll take the head in to Bearing Service. See what they can come up with....

I've poo-pooed these cars way too much. Many apologies to anyone I may have offended in the past!

Jay.

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er