Please no jokes about scrapping it or anything like that. I am usually smart and cautious and always check my cars out before I buy, but for some stupid reason I didn't this time... I wanted another diesel because I joined a biodiesel coop and am purchasing for $2.75 a gallon. I have no history on it other that the previous owner had it for 2 years on rural South Dakota highways/freeways and did no maintainance on it except for regular oil changes and a tranny oil change. Owner previous to that was a mechanic who I am still trying to get a hold of. 266,000 miles! Starts a little rough cold, runs beautifully when warm. Has 30k left on timing belt Smokes alot on hard acceleration. My plan of attack is to 1)check/adjust the valve clearances 2)check compression 3) switch oil to 5W-50 synthetic 4)Injection pump timing 5)Air and fuel filters. Any thoughts on other things to make sure I do? I have lots of 740 experience, but not that much diesel experience. Throttle is a bit "sticky" Could this be the auto tranny "kickdown" function? Thanks!