TIMING CHAIN CHANGE W123

[merckidda]

Hi, When changing the timing chain on my 1984 230e is there any other parts that i need to change apart from the chain, Also is this chain hard to change. Thanks Paul.

 

[TimN]

It depends on the chain you get. Most replacement chains come with a split link. If the chain on your car has a split link then you can just attach the new chain onto the end of the old one and feed it through by turning the crank via the 27mm nut in the crankshaft pulley. Always keep some tension on the chain otherwise it might jump a tooth on the sprocket on the crank shaft. If it doesnot have a split link on you existing chain then you can buy a link splitter from any motor factor or bicyle shop.

If your new chain doesn't have a split pin, and I would be surprised if it doesn't then it is an altogether different job. It would be worth considering splitting the chain and getting a split link otherwise you have to remove the camchain cover casting.

With regard to other things you can do, if you do get to the stage of removing the cam chain cover casting then consider replacing the oil pump cover plate and drive cogs. Also the tension rail which I think can only be removed after the camchain cover casting has been removed and of course the oilway oring.

I always before starting up rotate the engine by hand just to make sure that there is no ugly clash between piston and valves. It is a good idea to mark up the crankshaft pulley, camshaft sprocket and distributer before disassembly, particulary if the original markings are poor.

Hope this is of some use to you.

 

[merckidda]

Many Thanks Tim for your reply, I will pass this info on to the mechanic who is changing the chain.