Is there a way to check timing chain with tearing engine apart?
After seeing the piston pictures, do you think there could be damage to the connecting rods?
Do the pistons need to be replaced?
I read that if the dented area of the piston doesn't hit the cylinder wall, that it would be OK.
I'm thinking I'll pull the head, and weight the cost of buying a remanufactured head, or having mine worked on.
What other engines are compatible with this car, with a 6 spd. manual? I know it won't be a plug and play, but something that won't require moving engine mounts, etc...
Last edited by Hogger; Mar 11, 2012 at 09:10 PM.


After seeing the piston pictures, do you think there could be damage to the connecting rods?
Do the pistons need to be replaced?
I read that if the dented area of the piston doesn't hit the cylinder wall, that it would be OK.
I'm thinking I'll pull the head, and weight the cost of buying a remanufactured head, or having mine worked on.
What other engines are compatible with this car, with a 6 spd. manual? I know it won't be a plug and play, but something that won't require moving engine mounts, etc...
I would not attempt to fit another type of Benz engine. To many expensive issues to address.
I'll get started on the head, and post up here what I find. Might be a couple days or so, depending on work.

ya matt i get that same noise...im at 60k miles lol
a new chain at 60k?
hey glen if i get my chain replaced do i get everything else to? (guides and that other chain u were talking about)
The Best of Mercedes & AMG

EDIT. It's such a cheap job to pull a new chain & fit a new tensioner compared with fixing the mess caused by a jumped chain.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Mar 12, 2012 at 11:44 AM.
I was getting rough starts when it was cold, like it was missing. Then it would smooth out after about 10 seconds. And the rattles, that would last just a second or two.

Chain rattle comes from the chaincase between the crank & head. It is not constant or you would be in big trouble.
How long in time does it rattle before the oil level comes up? Mine seemed to do on for 10 seconds before I turned it off.
Also, I opened the oil cap with the engine running - to listen - and air was blowing from there (not too hard, as I was able to put the cap back on with no effort).
Is it normal, or my gasket is worn @ 118k mi?
Last edited by VVF; Mar 12, 2012 at 07:35 PM. Reason: edit

VVF - it is normal to have blowby from the oil filler cap. This is a captive breathing engine.

Anyone know the unbolting sequence for the cam cage thing(sorry, not exactly sure what to call it), and the head unbolting sequence?
Got some great info from mikey1011 on the other post. Along with some of the DIY's.
Glyn, I'm going to replace the balancing chain, would you suggest also replacing the guides for the balancing chain?
Last edited by Hogger; Mar 13, 2012 at 04:03 PM.




You were supposed to replace it every 30K miles. I did mine religiously, once I learned how to do it.
Of course, Mercedes would never want to admit such a thing could happen, and therefore of course would never bother to build something like that in. something a lowly company like FIAT used way back in the 1970's.
Sorry to see your troubles.
You seem to be on the right track!
You didn't purchase the service DVD?

PM Johnand or splinter & ask them to post the R&R. I don't have torque specs, order of undoing/torquing etc. You really need that.

You were supposed to replace it every 30K miles. I did mine religiously, once I learned how to do it.
Of course, Mercedes would never want to admit such a thing could happen, and therefore of course would never bother to build something like that in. something a lowly company like FIAT used way back in the 1970's.
Sorry to see your troubles.
You seem to be on the right track!
You didn't purchase the service DVD?



