Graham- I hadn't read that, but it seems to confirm what I have been able to piece together from reading on the forum. Thank you. Very good info.

So... I have the engine back together and it starts and runs without the nasty knock. Now on to putting the axles back in place (from towing it home after purchase) and a test drive.

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'83 300D turbo diesel (334k daily commuter)
SOLD '80 240D 4 speed manual, #2 piston pitted from crushing a 10mm nut. Running it 'till it burns through.
'78 F-150 300cid 4spd od (with my great unkle's original sales receipt)
SOLD '66 Ford P-350 delivery truck (almost driveable)
'49 Dodge B1D (1 ton Pilothouse era truck) not running but all there, candidate for om617 and 4x4 conversion when money permits.