W203 TIMING CHAIN?CAMBELT CHAIN HELP NEEDED!!!

[Hedgehog78]

Ok, not a mechanic, but I'm aware that my C180 which has almost done 100k miles needs something called a "timing chain" replaced.
Can anyone tell me what the part cost and labour cost would be both from a main dealer and independent.

Many thanks to this board.

Great source of information.

 

[Spike]

Who says the timing chain needs replacing?

 

[Hedgehog78]

I was told by the dealer and by some previous Merc owners, however, not sure if this is true.

Any guidance on this, really appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Aletank]

I've been told the chain only needs replacing when it becomes noisy, Normally over 100,000 miles but more like 150,000 miles.

Is it noisy at all ?

 

[NormanB]

I thought that timing chains stretch over time and there was a way of measuring this to determine if it is out of limits. I am not sure of how to do this myself but it might be worth doing a search on this and other forums.

Here is but one example I found on the yank site it may or may not answer your question, you really need to search and read yourself there seems to be infinite info on this subject:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopfor...72&highlight=timing+AND+chain+AND+stretch

 

[TimN]

I guess the simple test would be to see if there is any slack on the upper sprocket compared to when it was new. The usual way of testing chains is to take them off, tension it to a specific load and take a measurement across it's length.

Perhaps the only other way would be to take a reading from the position of the chain tensioner.

Whatever, you don't want a chain to break.

 

[Hedgehog78]

Well, there is no noise, or any sort of rattle from the engine bay.
The car is sweet, never ever given me any problems, just turn the ignition and go.

Also, have no idea if there is slack or not on the chain, but will get a mechanic to check this out.

What are the consequences if and when the chain happens to snap while driving? or as a general precuation at 150k, just replace it.

I tend to drive about 700 miles a week, most of which is on the M4.

Thanks Guys.

 

[TimN]

I have had to repair engines where the teeth on a cambelt have been stripped off but I have never had to do the job for a timing chain failure as they go on forever. You may even have a duplex chain fitted for additional security (two chains in parralel built as one). The only time I have ever replaced a timing chain on a Mercedes was part of a much bigger engine overhaul after which the engine was almost new.

Failures always seem to occur when moving away from a stationary position as it is when the belt/chain is under greatest stress. Under constant motorway driving I don't suppose it is under much stress at all and will last much longer than regular town driving. If there is no noise I shouldn't worry about it.

If a chain does break the engine will lock up as the valves and pistons will collide meaning at the very least a top end rebuilt.

 

[piestore]

TIMING CHAIN

You dont have a cam belt if you did this would be a service item anywhere between 33 and 100k.

As you have a timing chain this only needes replacing when it is worn in this situation it starts to make a noise on the over run or when blipping the throttle