Long story short, the 300D is fixed!! Runs like a scalded dog and is a smooth as butta!

I took everyone's advice and re-checked the valves. They were all fine, but just to be sure I set them all a little loose. Re-checked them again and then took her for a test drive. NO change!! Still ran like crap.

Back home I checked the lines coming from the fuel filter housing to the IP. No air bubbles with the engine off, no bubbles with it running. Last resort was to change the secondary spin on fuel filter even though it was just changed less than 100 miles ago.

Took her for a spin, and WOW!! Like a brand new car. Idles great, shifts smooth, and hits 80+ with hardly any effort.

Am I happy it is fixed, yes. Am I pissed about all the trouble a supposedly brand new filter caused. You bet.

Anyway, lesson learned is when you are doing all the filters and a valve adjustment, change one thing at a time and test it before doing the next thing. Saves a lot of trouble.

thanks to all for the help and advice.

Glenn

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2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 102K (hers)
2005 Corvette 55K (fun car)
2002 VW Jetta TDI 238K (mine)
1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 211K (kids)
1994 Ford F150 4WD 246K (firewood hauler)
1983 Mercedes 300D 384K (diesel commuter)