Mep 831A load issues

[2Pbfeet]

Also both injectors looked the same when they came out. Pretty coated in carbon. It's that pretty normal?

Not in my experience. It seems as if your engine is being overfueled.

If it were me, I would go back to try fueling the high pressure pump directly again and see if that improves your load and smoke. If it doesn't, I am starting to wonder if pulling the engine to check the camshaft timing and the rings might be in order. Sorry.

All the best, 2PbFeet