I had an alcohol misting nozzle in the air cleaner, which I found later has a metal insert in a plastic body. Somehow this nozzle has been ingested into the engine. Needless to say, the engine has developed a new sound.
It sounds like it has a bad tappet rattle (OK, cam follower rattle).
I have removed the inlet manifold and the missing nozzle is not to be found.

I believe the ingestion happened while ascending a steep road near my home.
The engine suddenly started to have the tappet rattle.
I re-checked my valve clearances but found them to be within spec.

Is my diagnosis a probable scenario?

I will download the relevant sections od the FSM from the skinnerbox site tonight.

Looks like I will need to buy a top overhaul kit.

__________________
Tony from West Oz.
Fatmobile 3 84 300D 295kkm Silver grey/Blue int. 2 tank WVO - Recipient of TurboDesel engine.
Josephine '82 300D 390kkm White/Palamino int.
Elizabeth '81 280E, sporting a '79 300D engine.
Lucille '87 W124 300D non-turbo 6 cylinder OM603, Pearl Grey with light grey interior


Various parts cars including 280E, 230C & 300D in various states of disassembly.