I know I know. Most of you would just say "do it yourself". Which I'm capable of doing, just short on time, space, motivation, etc. I have a newborn at home so I try not to spend too much time on the car...

So I called two local indy shops, one guy said "About $220". The other guy, who has worked on my car previously, said "$92 + gaskets."

For $92+gaskets, I'm not sure I'll ever do the valve adjustment myself.

at the same shop? I hope not. The $92+ is reasonable when you figure in the cost of labor. I'm not ready to call it the best price but it would seem he doesn't think you're the "out to save the earth by burning french fry grease" type who doesn't know cars whatsoever.

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1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!

Congrats on the new diesel driver addition to the family.
My two are at at The Farm in Palo Alto...hence I drive ancient MB's...and love it!

The job is maybe 30 minutes, just being careful which spec goes on which valve. I had to bend a couple $4 combo wrenches to nest just right, but after that, the job is straightforward...and very rewarding.

(My wife is convinced I'm wierd )

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FRANKNBENZ

1985 300D "Old Blue" 265,000 (parts car )
1985 300D "Gray Ghost" 245,000
1985 300D "Silver Bullet" 160,000
1975 914 VW/Porsche "BC Car" 125,000
2010 Prius "Shocking!" 60,000
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Sorry not to change to topic but what are the benefits after the valves have been adjusted. I myself need to get them done because I haven't had them done since i bought the car. so is there a performance boost after the adjustment.

There is usually a small restoration of power, but the valves MUST be adjusted every 12-14K miles. Neglecting required maintenance can lead to damaged valves or a worn camshaft.

It's basic maintenance. The car should run better over-all. I'm hoping for a little more power and fuel economy. Hoping.

I have all the service records going back to 1982 on this car. The last valve adjustment that I see done was....er....40,000 miles ago. It's due.

Yours only stops at wierd? Mine has tried to have me committed. 2x!

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Thank you. I hope to pass the keys to him in 16 years. I figure the car will be just getting broken in with 300,000+ miles on the ticker.

Is that what they are calling Stanford these days?

The gasket can be reused up to 3 times and certainly doesnt cost $100+.

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42