Thanks for everyone's input. I will definitely change the fuel filter and get another opinion before I do anything to the injection pump. I think I was being pressured into a repair with the threat of neglect causing greater damage the engine (kind of a "pay me now or pay me more later" type-deal).

I wish I had found this site a long time ago. It's just great and a lot of fun too!

-Mike

previously owned deisels:

1978 240D 4-speed (classy, but dangerously slow)
1984 300SD (classic looks and a great freeway cruiser)
1993 300D 2.5 (current car, a little less classy but the most fun yet)
wish list: S55 (someday)