This is starting to become confusing so lets break it down to more managable steps. Forget the camshaft and it's mark for the time being. Rotate the crankshaft to the position that you see or feel the timing vee in the timing port or window on your injection pump.

When you have accomplished this step post back and we will go to the next step. All you are going to be doing is breaking the checking down further into smaller self contained steps. Perhaps much easier than the whole picture at once at this stage.

First we are going to get the injection pump to crankshaft relationship checked or corrected if needed. Remember that you may not pick up the pump indicator in the first revolution. It could as easily be present in the second revolution.

If someone has a better or more sound approach chime in. At present it is just too confusing at least to me to proceed otherwise. Remember for the time being just ignore the camshaft. The old expression you have to start somewhere sound does seem to apply to your situation at present. Will slowly but methodically deal with each issue separatly.

Agreed.

time for clarity!
count me in barry/brian...first things first.

only problem i have right now is that i'm not sure where the port/vee indicator is or how to read the sucker. i've done lots of searches on the forum, and have found conversations about the RIV and everything, but nothing with the basics.

seem to be (4) hex caps/bolts of (4) different sizes on the body of the IP...is it one of those? top right? top left? bottom left? bottom right?
can you help me locate the sucker?

and then after i take off the cap, i just stick my finger in the hole and turn the motor over by hand til i see a 'slot' in my little mirror or feel a gap/slot with my finger/fingernail?

__________________
-lee
'83 300CDT (286k)

former proud owner of:
'85 mercedes euro 300TD
'80 mercedes 300TD
'77 mercedes 280e
'80 mercedes euro 250
'82 mercedes euro 250

Someone that has had the bolt out for the timing vee on a 1985 injection pump. Please chime in and describe it please. Or someone with a proper service manual look it up and describe it.

I have never timed one of these later pumps. It will be a pronounced slot or vee. Perhaps using a screwdriver to feel for it may be better than your finger. Especially if the hole is small..

I only post this additional item as you may well be fatigued from working long hours. There are also enough issues at present without trying to deal with a stuck finger.

Look on the pump, just aft of the center flange (the division of the pump from the section with the delivery valves to the section with the governor).

Down at the bottom of the pump is a single bolt right in the middle of a flange with two bolts (one upper and one lower). That's the bolt to remove.

A few ounces of oil will run out...........don't be alarmed.

You'll need to use a pick or a mirror with a strong light and feel for, or see, the inverted notch. You want the notch right smack in the middle of the port window..............then read the crank damper and report back with what you get.

Thank you Brian.

reading taken.
the notch appears at 15º ATDC.
what's next, fellers?

(for those of you w/ similar quandries about your '84-85 model IP, remove the hex cap shown in red below...using a mirror and a flashlight, the notch Brian mentioned is apparent.)

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
-lee
'83 300CDT (286k)

former proud owner of:
'85 mercedes euro 300TD
'80 mercedes 300TD
'77 mercedes 280e
'80 mercedes euro 250
'82 mercedes euro 250

Excellent work. That eliminates the relationship between the crankshaft and the IP.

Now, with the engine at 15° ATDC and the notch in the middle of the window, are the lobes of #1 pointing upwards (approx.) or are they down and opening the valves? This is very important..........so, check carefully.