timing chain, when to change?

[M Paul Lloyd]

Hi all,
I have done a few searches of the forum but can't find what I'm looking for, so apologies if it's staring me in the face.

I have 1995 W202 C200 petrol with 80k miles on the clock and it is a constant source of pleasure but I was wondering when I should start thinking about renewing the timing chain?
I have been told, on one hand, that they last 'forever' which seems unlikely or that anytime soon would be best! Can anyone give me a straightforward answer please?
thanks.

 

[Goodjob]

When someone tells you it is looking worn. they do last along time, I don't think there is no set interval to change them

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Not much mention of probs on this forum so I would consider the chain should last 200K. A sure sign of a worn chain is the noise on start-up. I once owned a Dolomite Sprint which had a duplex chain fitted and these only lasted 30K before the thing became so noisy (household cavalry stuff) that it had to be changed.

 

[television]

Yes as above, when its noisy on start up thats the time to think about it, hopefully after 150k

 

[David Nock]

February's Car Mechanics contains an interesting article about timing belts and the need for regular changes on various models, but it goes on to say that manufacturers' access for changing chains is not so easy these days, as they are not expected to be renewed regularly. So I would say as above, 150k to 200k and only then if the chain becomes noisy. If it suddenly starts with a noise, be aware that chains can snap, so urgent attention is then needed at that stage.

 

[M Paul Lloyd]

Thanks people you are simply ace.

I am getting a tad worried because I have noticed a sinister 'clicking' chain type rattle at start up from cold and feared the worst.
I am thinking of having it looked at anyway just to see what the cause might be but meanwhile does anyone have any suggestions as to what else might be the cause?
Thanks again.

 

[pomm001]

Thanks people you are simply ace.

I am getting a tad worried because I have noticed a sinister 'clicking' chain type rattle at start up from cold and feared the worst.
I am thinking of having it looked at anyway just to see what the cause might be but meanwhile does anyone have any suggestions as to what else might be the cause?
Thanks again.

Timing chain give plenty of warning that they are getting tired, best indication is from cold start, will rattle for a second or two until the oil pressure pumps out the tensioner then goes quiet, it stay this way for ages.
When it gets real bad it will rattle all the time on tickover, dont let it get that bad. its a good idea to replace the tensioner as well, also the cam sprocket. The cranks sprocket hardy wears at all so can be left alone, the cam sprocket wears more due to the acceleration and deceleration associated with opperating the cam lobes.Fit a good quality chain best use genuine, and rivet ,dont be tempted to use 'split link' chains it will end in tears !

 

[Ron Palfrey]

Have you changed the oil and oil filter recently Paul? I do mine every 9000 miles (or 12 months if sooner) using quality oil (Mobil 1 is fully synthetic), and preferably a genuine Mercedes filter (no more expensive than pattern parts). That way the timing chain should last, and last, and last. Your tappets should stay quiet too, on start-up.
I'm probably over-zealous with oil and filter changes, but as my Dad told me 50 years ago: oil is cheaper than a new engine!
My car's done 110,000 miles and still runs like new. Never ever a problem.
Ron

 

[Parrot of Doom]

How would you diagnose this on a diesel engine, since they're noisy on startup anyway.

Is it a very distinct 'nuts in a biscuit tin' type sound?

 

[Myros]

More of a "death rattle" type of noise

skeletons getting fruity on a bus shelter roof.

 

[emily.h]

Timing Chain

The timing chain on my A16 has just broken. I'm expecting a huge repair bill that I can bearly afford at the moment. It also needed a new starter motor last year. I brought a Merc thinking it would be running well for some time if I looked after it, which I have...never again!
The car is not new 01/X reg. but with 58,600 miles on the clock is this unheard of or am I very unlucky?

Emily

 

[anyweb]

no idea to be honest, you could have been unlucky or the previous owner may have not bothered to change the oil at all,

either way, bad luck as a matter of interest did you notice anything unusual about the car noise prior to the failure ?

 

[am8631]

digging up this old thread. My chain makes a rattling noise but only when the aircon is on? As soon as i turn the aircon off the rattle goes away. Now before anyone says its a prob with the aircon compressor the noise is definately 100% coming from the front/top of the engine - right where the chain is? this is all at idle by the way.

Should i worry - its a C230k with 150k miles approaching?

thanks in advance guys

 

[television]

The air con loads the drive belt more, so could be the idler wheel.

Do the idle RPM drop when the aircon comes on,,it should stay the same, or increase slightly

 

[Lerpy]

Done 254K in mine and as far as I'm aware it's not been changed. No noises and I've never been charged for one, so yaeh, they last a long time.

 

[am8631]

revs do drop slightly when the aircon clicks on - does this indicate a problem?

 

[television]

revs do drop slightly when the aircon clicks on - does this indicate a problem?

No not really timing chains will only rattle at low RPM if there is a problem,,,if it really is the chain,,that I doubt very much the oil pressure is the thing that takes up the slack,,unless the chain has stretched to the point of no more adjustment,,but I do not think that it will have.

I would use a large screw driver as a stethoscope with the blade on all of the items in the running gear and the handle to your ear, or slip the serpentine belt off and feel the condition of all of the components

 

[Myros]

malcolm, you missed the best bit

engine off for the hand-checking bit. I'd suggest keys in your pocket as well.

 

[television]

engine off for the hand-checking bit. I'd suggest keys in your pocket as well.

I wonder where the name "self starter" came from

 

[am8631]

as it happens i only changed the v belts last weekend and both the tensioners were fine. I will keep an ear out to make sure that the rattle does not get any worse. Its definately coming from the chain area - sounds like its right under the black plastic bit at the top/front of the block.