Head Gasket on a 230TE - Removing the head

[Anonymous]

I'm in the process of taking the head off my 1989 230TE (done 200,000 miles) and want to know if there's a quick way of removing the upper timing chain rail pin.  The manual says use a puller, which I dont have.  Also, should I replace the timing chain as well.  Any help would be greatfully received.

 

[tonyd]

Head Gasket on a 230TE

Stephen, I did similar to my '85 230E 4cyl petrol engine.Stalled on rail pins, till I went and bought a new one (£4) and saw they are internally threaded. So, I went to local hardware shop for some threaded rod (M6 I think) Cut a 10 inch length. THreaded the rod tightly into the front of the rail pin. Secured  a 15lb. metal barbel (what weight lifters use) to radiator-end of rod, with some large washers and nuts. Sprayed wd40 over railpin. Hit weight with clubhammer, till rail-pin pulled-out. Gently does it.!!! I tied string round the rail so it wouldn't fall downwards too far.
If single chain, it's a good time to replace....good luck,Tony

 

[pmac1]

Head Gasket on a 230TE

hi stephen,i too did this job a few months ago on my 190e,and as i dont posses a slide hammer either wondered what to do.I decided that instead of possibly bashing a big hole in a good radiatoriwood try a more gentler approach.my method was to use a long threaded bolt with a nut & washer under the bolt head,slide some steel tube just slightly larger than the rail pin and about 3in long over the long bolt,screw the bolt with nut, washer,and sleeve into the rail pin as far as it will go then hold the bolt  with a spanner and tighten the nut with another.this has the effect of drawing the pin out slowly and carefully thus hopefully avoiding any unnessasary damage.good look.