will a compression test tell me if i need a new valve stems and seals? But replacing them....i dunno if i can do them myself. I'm hella scared on doing on my 300D 78 that really needs it--litterally drinks about a qt of oil per 2 fill-ups; so i'm pretty sure i dont want to touch that job on my 300E. Some mechanic that i know stated that they had to pull off the camshaft, springs, timing chain, the whole 9 yards just to replace those $5.00 guides and seals. If i had the knowlege of doing the right way, then i'd take it up. But for the average joe thats use to spark plugs, oil, tranny, and coolant changes...thats a hmmm and studder for the moment.

BTW--Good point about the blue exhaust smoke! ; i'll look out for that the next time i drive.

so should i invest on replacing that idle control valve and fuel pressure regulator...not to mention a new fuel filter while i'm at it..??

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1986 300E 200K + 2 years broken odometer
1978 300D 280K + 2 years broken odometer