Only real advice I can give is to do what you are doing, dive into all the info you can. I was very intimidated by this engine when I decided to take on this project, however, it is really not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Actually, in many ways, I have come to believe it is easier to work on the OM642 than the 603 or 602.

While I am not finished putting everything back together, I hopefully am in the home stretch.

Just go slow, document everything you remove (order of removal, take pics, etc), and be prepared to not have something you need (had to order a new torque wrench-2 actually, new glow plug connectors, had to borrow a few tools, etc.).

Don’t try to do in a minimum amount of time either, this may lead to damaging something in a rush.

Obtain a copy of the WIS (factory service manual), I don’t see how this job is possible to do correctly without it. I was unable to print the pages I needed, but I just moved my old desktop computer to my workbench.

Good luck, this forum can walk you through any issues you may have.

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2023 Ram 1500
1987 300TD
2002 ML 320
2001 Chevy Suburban
2006 S430 (gone and trying to forget)
1985 300TD (returned to father)
2007 GL320 CDI (sold to brother)
1995 E320 (sold)
1991 500SL (parted out)
1995 E300D (RIP)
1991 300D (RIP)
1995 E320 Wagon (sold)
1992 300TE (sold)
1988 300CE (sold)
1994 E320 (sold)
1995 E300D (sold)
1978 300D (RIP)
1987 260E (sold)
1992 400E (parted out)
1989 300E (parted out)