300D, Gentlemen, your assistance please!

Where is the proper place to test my compression? Fittings into the glow plugs-or-injector ports? I assume either should give the same reading. Speaking of readings, what are acceptable specs across all five?

Per the 124 Maintenance CD for the 300TD with the 6 cylinder 603 Turbo, the compression testor screws in the injection port after the injector is removed. They specify the cylinder must go through at least 9 revolutions. New compression is 26-32 bar or 29-35 bar, depending on which compresion recorder is used. I do not understand the difference in the tool, since pressure is pressure, but this is what the book says. I do not have any of these special tools, but have used one on a VW diesel many years ago. The specifed wear limit is ~18 bar (no difference between tools), and all cylinders must be within 3 bar. One bar equals 1 atmoshere which is 14.7 psi. The specs from your car may vary a little. Good luck.

Just to be clear, the same goes for your 123 diesel. Remove the injection lines, injectors and then connect compression guage. Be careful not to lose the injector seals when removing the injectors. They will stick to the bottom of the injector and then fall out as you remove them from the head.

You will need a 400PSI or greater compression guage with the adapter to fit your injector holes.

Good luck,

I got the compression test finished yesterday, 22(+) on number one, varying up to 25.5 on number five. I went ahead and adjusted the valves also. None of them had any gap. The car has more power now but stll won't start (refer to 300D giving me fits). Not sure what I'll do now...Keep plugging away at it I guess! That's the fun isn't it? Thanks for the advice guys!!