thanks for all the links and help.

i'm done with the timimg, and it didn't make a difference on the knock/nailing (maybe quieted it a bit but i may be hearing wrong) but it does give me smoke at idle now. the difference between dip and no drip was about .5mm. i didn't see the pump move when i tightened it down but i couldn't see it all the time.

i'll do it again with someone to help me some time next week and try the constant drip method. at the same time, after one more timing evening, i'll meter the glow plugs.

i still have plenty of power, and the vehicle accelerates well. just has that awful sound. also, the temp gauge climbs too fast for there not to be an issue on top somewhere (or if it were a gasser that would be my guess). i just don't want to deal with the head and find nothing. and i want to love my 300D again.