Diesel RVs: [diesel_mercedes] Belated introduction and hello

Hi there,

I joined a few weeks ago right after picking up my (first) mercedes. She's a 1983 300SD, white with dark brown interior (though the p.o. put in blue seats). She's got about 223k on her and a busted odometer. I've named her "Betty White"...seemed to fit somehow.

She's fairly solid mechanically, but I have my work cut out for me as I'm eager and interested, but totally "new" to the world of repair and even maintenance. You all seem like a helpful and knowledgeable bunch, and I've enjoyed reading up while lurking :) I hope you won't mind sharing your collective wisdom with an enthusiastic beginner.

I thought I'd start with some simple stuff, and I've already been thwarted. My plan for phase 1 was:

1) diesel purge
2) fuel filters
3) coolant flush n fill
4) oil change

Went to do the diesel purge as per the instructions in the mercedessource kit, and the fuel line section that you re-route so as not to spill fuel all over god's country was "newer" and too short. So I've got some biofuel rated fuel line coming, just gonna start with replacing that section (my friend has a new biofuel company here, so I'd like to carefully experiment with B100 and blends)

Thought I'd check the air filter while I had the hood up, and I couldn't get the dang top off...what am I missing? I removed the wingnut and bolt and 4 clips....and could not lift that lid.

Coolant flush and fill (my new mechanic, also a 300SD owner, strongly recommended that asap) is getting more pressing as our temps are dropping. I've got Zerex ready to go, and I bought one of those $4 "kits" (mostly for the instructions on the back) but now I realize they want you to cut on of your lines and leave their plastic piece installed all the time. Doesn't that restrict the flow? Or would it be fine? How else would I do it? Any video or photo instructions?

There's plenty of info on the internet, but I want to get my hands on at least one manual to start (actual book or DVD based, no matter)....what would you all recommend to start with?

Thanks folks! Happy weekend!
Caitlin (and Betty White)