You forgot the main cause in MB diesels -- incorrect installation of governor linkage on R&R of shutoff solenoid or vacuum governor. Not too many other things go "wiffy" on Bosch injection pumps.

I vote for CO2 or loosening injector capnuts for shutoff on an MB diesel. Other engines this won't necessarily work (the CO2 extingisher will, always -- Halon isn't safe, nor widely available anymore). Many engines have unit injectors, so no capnuts (and some are under the valve cover, too!). Electric solenoid cutoffs will almost always shut down when you pull the wire, too.

NEVER put you hand over a turbo intake, SERIOUS injury is likely to occur (loss of hand!). The turbo won't slow down much as it minces your fingers!

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!