I had my valves adjusted recently and found that the rockers slide back & forth a wee bit on the rocker shaft. This can't be good.

So, its time for yet more "special order" parts, that my otherwise competent shop can not get their mitts on right away. So this prompts the question - what sort of damage may I be doing/have done to the camshaft with this wobbly rocker arm thing happening? The cam lobes feel good (using the old fingernail across the lobe-surface test) and visually I see no scoring.
Any experiences, thoughts or opinions about this particular mechanical situation?

I know that my 1750 cc Alfa Romeo really benifitted from an aftermarket cam and valve/rocker kit that was better than stock (in quality) and really changed the power characteristics of the car. Although I am not expecting to find an aftermarket kit for the OM617, who knows? Maybe Lorenser, or one of these aftermarket places that has been getting into diesel performance for the newer (European model) diesel Benz's has something available for the venerable old 123?
I'll check their website - but maybe someone here has some knowledge of 5 cyl. turbodiesel camshafts and valvegear improvements.

on how much movement? how much is there? a little play wont hurt.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

A millimetre - maybe a bit more...about the thickness of a nickel.

that sounds like a lot. someone surely has a spec on that. i dont think i do. it is a subject that has never come up in all the benz engines that i have had rebuilt.

on my 51 caddy there was springs that centered the rockers so wear was compensated for.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Yes, that alarms me. I will replace the two rocker shafts and all of the rocker arms, even though the car seems to run just fine.
I just know that what I have seen is wrong, and just hope that I havent damaged the camshaft.