e190 timing chain

[newlifer]

I have a 2.3 E190 with 240000km on it , i had it at the local dealer theother day and they mentioned that the timing chain should be changed, just wondering how big of a job this might be. if any body had any experence with that.
thanks

 

[LAMAR]

I have a 190e although not the same engine as the 2.3, my chain has done 193,000 miles and never been changed. I've never seen a merc timing chain snap or ever replaced one for wear.

 

[Doinitmyself]

The 2.3 engines are all quite noisey. They are the only engines to have shim tappets which very rarely get adjusted. Sometimes this noise gets mistaken for a worn timing chain. I have known chains to snap, generally through cost cutting and lack of mechanical sympathey. Its not actually that much of a job. Don't let anyone charge you more than 3 hour to do it!

 

[flagstaff]

whether you need to change the chain or not obviously depends on its condition. if it's the chain that's noisy (and not just the cam followers and/or shims) then it should be changed. check if it's a single row, as opposed to double row or duplex part. the duplex chains last (all other things being equal) for pretty much the life of the car. the singles should be changed somewhere around 60-100,000 miles, dependant on how the car has been maintained. you can check by looking through the oil filler hole.

 

[flagstaff]

... and don't forget to check the condition of the chain tensioner also. probably before you check anything else.

 

[TheJim]

But be carefull when you remove the tensioner cap as oil goes everywhere, as does the spring!

 

[newlifer]

in regards to the chain tensioner how do i get to it and what ajustment would i make
thanks

 

[Timbo]

chain tensioner

It's some time now since I replaced a timing chain, but I would agree with what's been said about the duplex chain. The tensioner is on the left hand side at the front of the engine block, under a big nut. You can't adjust them as they do that for themselves on a ratchet principle. To remove it you need a 17mm alen key. The new tensioner needs to be reset, instructions are in the Haynes manual, its not too difficult. If you have a duplex chain it might be worth replacing the tensioner, I don't think they are expensive.

Incidentally, does the noise go when you take up the throttle a little?

 

[mike65]

The chain tensioner is easy but you need 2 items you may not have - a) 32mm socket with short extension. b) a 17mm hex bit.

Otherwise its straightforward. Loosen polybelt remove top bolt on alternator, loosen bottom bolt (from behind) drop the alternator away from engine and you'll see the tentioner body "head" which is what you need the 32mm socket for. Remove that (prepare for it to spring out!) recover the washer.

Then using the 17mm hex bit on a socket wrench
loosen and remove tensioner body.

Fit new tensioner body, tighten up.

Clean up the 32mm socket (it'll get covered in oil from the tensioner) place new washer on tensioner body, place new spring on the locating pin inside the 32mm head drop head inside the 32mm socket (you'll need to have clean dry hands for this bit) and then locate the spring end inside the tensioner body and push in against the spring (its pretty hard!) and then turn the head until it locates on the tensioner body thread. Tighten good and proper (or it'll leak oil).

Then refit alernator and polybelt.

This is the short desciption naturally! You'll also need to remove radiator fan and shroud for decent access

Mike.

 

[tom7035]

Tensioner - once begun, complete the job.

Just as an aside to the above, be aware once you begin to remove the tensioner you can't then just change your mind and screw it back in - this will overtension the chain with obvious results.