W124 timing chains

[flame220]

Hi, I have just read a report on 'Honest John' about the W124.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/index.php?url=/carbycar/index.htm

(The W124 saloon & coupe section)

I have just aquired an '86 230E that needs a timing chain & a waterpump.
I intend to replace the offending parts prior to pressing the car into use & my car being an '86 model I assume it has a simplex timing chain.
Rather than replace it every 60k miles I would prefer to effect a more long term solution.
Does anyone know wether its possible to substitute the original setup with a duplex arrangement without having to change the timing cover?
I intend to replace the chain / pulleys / tensioner blade as a matter of course so wondered if I could upgrade at the same time.
Any info gratefully received

 

[turnipsock]

I guess my 230TE (87) will have a simplex chain as well. Are you sure they are supposed to be replaced every 60k? If so I better check mine out soon. Since the chain is running straight and is in an oil bath, I would think that wear would be minimal.

It looks easy to replace though...provided there is a joining link. Changing the pullies will make this a lot bigger job.

You would think that MB switched to a duplex chain for some reason.

 

[flame220]

According to the link I posted it appears the simplex setup is a weakpoint, if an upgrade to duplex is possible whilst still retaining the original timing cover & associated parts its a modification that should be done in an attempt to 'remove the weak link from the chain' so to speak.

 

[turnipsock]

I had a look at my chain last weekend. I have a duplex chain on mine.

If MB were so quick to change this, then I guess it must have been an unreliable part.

 

[television]

I believe the first few SL500 in 1990 had a simplex, it did not last long.

Malcolm

 

[flagstaff]

if you're worried about the condition/performance of the chain, then it's a good idea to replace it. the job is straightforward, and (for once?) the haynes manual for your model details the procedure about right.

the simplex chain can be converted to duplex, but the cost associated with this would perhaps be prohibitive - certainly up there with "just get a car that has a duplex chain." the cam and crank pulleys need to be changed, and various other minor parts - it's not so much the parts cost that matters here, but the labour. if you do it yourself, obviously the outlay would be much reduced.

on the other hand altogether; if you look after the simplex system, and change fluids at prescribed intervals, it should last very well. change the chain and tensioner at manufacturer's recommended interval of 60-80k miles, and you should be ok.

 

[190easy]

all i can say to that is that i bought an otherwise "mint" 190e (k reg 100k 2.0i duplex) with a broken chain and the sprockets were "razor sharp" (according to my local garage),and that regardless of fluid change intervals (my service book has 6 MB stamps) i still wouldn't have expected the duplex to break at those miles as i've heard reports of 175k+ miles before a replacement chain is even considered,and i changed my fiance's vw golf 1.4 BELT at 99k,(belt recommended at every 60k by vw)..but next belt will now be 160k (minimum if it can see that which i doubt)..to sum up for years i thought mankind had taken a step back when most manufacturers went from chains to belts but now i'm not so sure..........