You list all kinds of problems and seem ready to bite into a big job. How about settling down and do a simple compression test and if possible a leak down test. Then we could all come up with some good answers. A valve job is consider a maximum tuneup, not a rebuild.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
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