Marius:

You should not have messed with the trap -- it is being replaced at the usually service interval (30,000 miles) unless plugged, in which case it is replaced then with a catalyst and usually new turbo. Since you opened yours, you have voided the warrenty and will not be covered.

Haven't had a chance to look at the glow plug relay yet -- just got the wood trim back in the 280 SE, trying to get THAT car running so I can work on the others......

Engine Restorer will help with a leaking rear main and will free up stuck rings, but my guess is it won't help if the compression is low. Before I got any further with it, I'd check the compression -- if it is in fact low, and a leakdown indicates worn cylinder walls, it will cost a bundle to fix, especially if the pistons need to be replaced -- about $5000 in parts, 50 hrs labor. A big deal.

A valve job will be considerably less, and if you have noisy lifters, they are probably not holding oil pressure. That means the valves aren't opening correctly, causing the rest of the troubles.

You probably need to replace the tappets at that milage, anyway. To do so, alas, you must remove the cam.

I'd also run Mobil 1 15W50 in it for one oil change, not additives, to see if it can work some magic for you.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!