So I finally got the old gal running (ish anyways). It makes an incredibly loud noise, almost louder than I'd think a rod knock could be. The strange thing is it still develops over 50 pounds of oil pressure. The valves all seemed to adjust good, and compression was consistent across all four cylinders. When I did the compression test it was on a crappy, and half dead battery, and a cold engine. I never got more than a few revolutions out of it per cylinder. All four were right about at 200 psi. I know there's an exhaust leak where the header attaches to the exhaust manifold, but I can't imagine its enough to make that noise. The only thing I can think of is wrist pin. Any other theories? I'm at a loss

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1969 220d - soon to be a reliable daily, and so the tinder profile can say I drive a Mercedes

I would get a brand new battery and redo the compression test, I doubt the engine will run at all at 200psi. We will need a video to further assess the situation.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

I'll see if I can get a video this weekend.

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1969 220d - soon to be a reliable daily, and so the tinder profile can say I drive a Mercedes