Valve Adjustment 83 MBCDT

Mercedessource Diesel Valve Adjustment Procedures calls for and shows the cam lobe to be straight up, ie vertical.
Mercedes Maintenance Manual: Tip of cam should be vertical in relation to the rocker arm.
Haynes states same and shows the lobe to be 1 o'clock. Diesel Giant says the same but shows vertical position in second photo of two lobe positions.
Vertical lobe or 1 o'clock looking front to firewall down the camshaft?

Forums

Diesel Engine Specific Aid

Chassis Model Number

W123

Recommendation

I have adjusted thousands of diesel valves over the years and the position of the cam lobe is not that critical. You will be fine if the lobe is anywhere between the 12 o'clock and 2 o'clock position. I have checked on numerous occasions in the past and the clearance didn't vary on many engines anywhere from the 1 o'clock to the 3 o'clock position.

MBCDT Valve Adjust

I suspected that was the case.
As the valve seat wears any additional gap clearance from specs will decrease.