Thanks for the speedy replies, Frank and RT. I'm hoping to tackle this today or tomorrow.

Got the engine-in-motion timing idea from doing ignition timing on gasoline ignition systems with Vintange MB's that are also amazingly equipped with fine tuning adjustment setting of spark advance while engine is operating to accomodate octane discrepancies.

Last time i checked, Chain wear was at/near 2 degrees. Car has only 145k miles and was diesel purged 8 months ago. Adjusted the valves 3 weeks ago and filters are fresh.

Racked up 30k miles in the last 12 months over which unburnt fuel especially at startup became creeping problem - not a sudden occurance as might suggest jambed injector tip or loose carbon debris fouling the pre-comb chambers.

This is all I'm really asking - Which are the nuts and bolts that I must loosen to adjust the IP?? And which direction advances the timing??

In addition to paint marking the original IP position, my plan includes making 1-2 degree (1/8" ?) adjustments in between checking the results, but I've gotta know which direction advances the system (sounds like towards the engine) which bolts to turn and what hazards i might encounter. I appreciate your advice and caution on this, RT.

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Last edited by 300SDog; 07-10-2004 at 01:24 PM.