It has about 275k

MPG is low - 23-25 for a 240D with MT, but power is really good. Never really had any problems getting around gassers in traffic. In fact, my son calls the 240D the 'fast' car and the 300TD the 'slow' car.

There is no oil in the vacuum system, or in the air intake system. Also, the fuel is not getting oil in it, so I ruled out the o-ring on the IP pump that other members have mentioned.

Also, it takes a second or two for the oil to pressurize, and there is some valve clatter until the oil gauge pegs. Then it sounds good. But, once the oil gauge pegs, it never dips, even at idle at operating temperature. Not sure if that is related.

No coolant leak (except for a bit at the radiator fins), and certainly none in the oil.

My hunch is the valve stem seals, esp. since it is worse at high RPM, but I want to rule out other deeper problems before I start down that road.

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT