Most engine failures I've seen were lack of lubrication or failure to keep dirt out (cutting the emissions control vac lines and leaving the source end open seems to have been an epidemic around here 20 years ago).

Scored bearings, huge sludge accumulation, galled cams, flat lifters on US engines, scored cylinder walls, you name it.

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!