Has anyone done their own valve adjustments? I am a hands-on person new to diesel and want to know what is entailed with adjusting the valves on my 300D in preparation for winter.

 

Read this write up it explains it. I make a chart of which valves are intake and which are exhaust so I can mark them off as I go to avoid mistakes.

http://dieselgiant.com/valveadjustment.htm

 

I copied the above address before opening to see Phil posted it. That site has very easy to follow instructions, and have read them for the valve adj. Just don't be in a hurry or need the car so you can do it right.
87 300D
205K miles

 

I would also recommend the special wrenches for the job. I made a set and it would be a real pain without them.

 

Thanks a lot to all that have posted in reply, it is sure a lot of help especially with winter encroaching. Does anyone have suggestions on where to pick up wrenches and new gaskets by chance?

 

The gasket is available from your local MB dealer and you can use Craftsman wrenches, although the large one (30mm? 36mm?) is awkward. I think somebody sells that one, specially for MB diesels, online.