W114 Timing chain

[allende]

Hi
Just bought a W114 280CE (1972) with what seems to be a genuine 125000 miles- got service history, old mots, etc.
I am about to fully service it and will be doing all the work myself. My questions are-
1. should I change the timing chain and/or tensioner?
2.What sort of milage is it good for?
3. Is it easy for a non specialist to change or does it need special tools/mercedes specialist?
Thanks in advance

 

[television]

To answer some points, the timing chain when worn, can make a noise or rattle on start up and at idle when warm and the oil hot, if it is quiet, leave it.

I think that you have a single chain as apposed to duplex (double) on late engines, some have conversion kits as a duplex chain is a better set up.

If you wanted to change it, no special tools are required and its straight forward, and many links can be given for help.

Chains, if a simplex seem to go for 75k and duplex 125k +, as a safe guard the duplex is a better job if it can be converted. Many more people will give you some advice.

Malcolm

 

[allende]

Thanks for that Malcom.
The chain is quiet with no rattles at all. If the milage is genuine then it is up to the end of its life though. Anyone any experience of these chains going? If it is a simple job I would like to change it for a duplex chain if at all possible for peace of mind
Ian

 

[allende]

Anybody got any links for changing timing chains on these models? Or any other advice for this? I'm a bit stuck as I am unable to locate a manual for this model.

 

[Stevie A]

I've read horror stories of normal garages changing timing chains on Mercs and over tensioning etc and destroying engines when the chain snaps. I would leave it alone or take it to a MB specialist to do.

 

[allende]

Yes I am tempted to leave it-especially as there is no sign of wear. The only reason I am tempted to change is that it is 35 years old. Having said that if it has lasted 35 years it is probably good for a few more I suppose

 

[C220GJS]

This is the timing gear layout for you engine , as you can see it's a duplex chain and if it is not making a noise I would not worry unless the engine has been neglected in the past. http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...+++765.700&CT=M&cat=032&SID=05&SGR=001&SGN=01.

 

[television]

You are doing the right thing, leave it.

malcolm

 

[OlafMaxwell]

We used to have that issue with motorcycle engines. Oil change and history was important but again if it was correctly tensioned [most had manual tensioners] and quiet we were inclined to leave alone. Only thing though is question of leaving one for 35 years.....Always though we would replace tensioners and other bits if replacing the chain.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

You always know when a duplex chain needs changing, it sounds like the household cavalry coming down the road. If the timing chain is quiet when the engine is cold there is neglible wear. My rule of thumb is that if the chain is noisy when the engine is warm it either requires a new tensioner or chain replacement.

I wouldn't worry if the engine has been well maintained and I assume you are not going to race the car.

The other point I would make is if you decide to replace the chain also do the sprockets as well.