I'm new to diesel's. I have a 77 300D. My mechanic and I exchanged the motor with one from a wrecking yard. Put new bearings, seals, rings, etc. He left town and I'm bound and determined to finish this project. Thank god for this forum. I'm confused on the timing. I've built several gas powered engines so I have some knowledge of recipricating engines. Reading the Haynes manual, the instructions say I am on intake compression stroke TDC when the valves are facing up. I am at TDC mark on the damper, cam washer is right on tower mark but my cam lobes on #1 are not exactly facing upwards. The #1 intake is at 5:30, almost resting on the rocker arm, ready to open the valve, the exhaust is at 8:00 and is just past the rocker arm. #2 intake is at 2:30 and exhaust is 5:28, #4 intake is is 12:20 and the exhause 4:00, etc. I'm using the clock, not exactly accurate but may be helpful to someone who has a whole lot more knowledge than me on diesel motors.

I've gone 2 revolutions of the crankshaft and it puts me back at TDC mark on the damper and cam washer aligned with the cam tower on #1 just as I've mentione above.

I hope I'm making some sort of sense so someone can set me straight on the timing of this beautiful little car.

Thanks, Jfc