I have been searching for the timing spec for a 87 300D Turbo with the 3L 603
motor. I seem to be getting conflicting info some say 15 BTDC some say 15 ATDC

Which is correct? I do not have a service manual.

Any help is appreciated.

On mine that information is on the Emission Sticker that is stuck on the Front Crossmember in front of the Radiator.

To the best of my knowlege it is 15 Degrees ATDC using the RI(V) method or Fuel Injection Pump Timing/Locking Pin.
In the CD Manual you have to go to page 3 and check the top of the page to be sure the instructions are for your Engine.
There is no Drip Timing Method listed for your year and model.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

FSM says 15 +/- 1 degrees after top dead center for the 603.96 ('87 300D Turbodiesel). There's a device called an "A-B" light that is used to indicate correct timing as you adjust the screw on the IP. The A-B light is Mercedes part # 617 589 08 21 00 and sells for over $400, IIRC. Wish there was a way to fabricate such a thing at home.

For the 602.962 (300D 2.5 Turbodiesel) and 603.970 (300SD/SDL Turbodiesel) it is 14 +/- 0.5 degrees.

EDIT: FastLane sells the A-B light for $532.82. The timing lock method looks like a much less expensive alternative.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

The Fuel Injection Pump Timing/Locking tool (might be called Injection Pump Blocking Screw) does pretty much the same thing that the AB Light (RIV Method) does.
It goes into the same port on the side of the Fuel Injection Pump Governor.

(Mercedes Part# 601589052100)

I used the tool during my Fuel Injection Pump Gasket change.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel