At 01:55 PM 10/17/99 EDT, you wrote:
>I have an '82 Diesel that was sitting for nearly two years.

  My guesses are a stuck valve (maybe)
>or more likely a broken valve spring.

Pitting of a valve spring from coorosion from sitting for a long period
is good speculation. Another idea is contamination of the fuel metering
pump which could give the lean condition symtoms. The springs can be
checked quickly, then the balance of spray forms of the several injectors
can be tested.

Do immediatly have the brake fluid flushed and inspected for leaks.
Sitting for two years makes this mandatory as my experience is under
that scenerio most will need a cautious inspection for potential
failure. And brakes ain't optional, don't you know. The hoses can
swell due to the varnish buildup and not allow the calipers to
release fully. After a short drive feel the wheels. If they become
more than just warm you have a system overhaul to schedule. Jack up
the wheels and insure that they spin with little or no drag.

 Assuming I didn't screw up the head, I
>think it should be a relatively inexpensive fix, even if it needs all new
>valves, springs, etc.

A reman head is certainly less expensive than a reman long block or a
trek into the trunk space of the car ahead due to unknown brake condition
perils.
Doktor Tim
Maintenance Repair and Restoration of European Vehicles
San Juan Island, WA