I used channel locks to gently hold the spring plate and that worked fine for me.

I wouldn't turn the cam shaft by wrenching on the power steering pump - that's just asking for trouble later. If you aren't going to do the 27 mm socket on the crank shaft then you will need to blip the ignition as you have been. I have read here of another alternative (I can't recall anymore who suggested this one). Jack up the rear, place it in gear, and then rotate the wheel CCW - as if driving forward. I have never tried it, but it sounds easy enough.

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'95 E300D ("Tank") - 231,000 miles
'79 240D ("Biscuit") - 197,250 miles (Sold)
'83 240D ("Ding-Ding") - 217,000 miles (Death by deer)
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"Back off, man. I’m a scientist” ~ Peter Venkman